Did anyone start out having pancreatic cysts that became cancer later?

I, too, was told I have multiple cysts on pancreas. They were discovered when having an MRI of my liver. I was told that I will have an MRI every 3 months for the first year to specifically monitor the cysts. If there are no changes, then it switches to every 6 months and then yearly unless symptoms arise.

I would ask for a second opinion as a lot could happen (or not) between now and 2025. Good luck to you…I know it’s a roller coaster of emotions.

Concerning to me too. Do you have any close blood relatives with pancreas issues, or have any genetic test results showing inherited gene mutations that might classify you as a high-risk individual?

There are varying guidelines and programs for monitoring cysts, with mostly similar criteria. Some resources and discussions:
https://www.mdanderson.org/content/dam/mdanderson/documents/for-physicians/algorithms/screening/screening-pancreatic-web-algorithm.pdf
Link to the Fukuoka Guidelines here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-do-3/?pg=1#comment-876705

AGA clinical guidance: https://gastro.org/news/aga-guidance-when-to-screen-for-pancreas-cancer/#:~:text=Pancreas%20cancer%20screening%20in%20high-risk%20individuals%20should%20begin,35%20years%20in%20the%20setting%20of%20Peutz%E2%80%93Jeghers%20syndrome.

In June of 2023, during a CT Scan for a possible hernia they located a cyst on my pancreas of 4cm. I subsequently had both a MRI and EUS at Mayo in Rochester, MN. Although they said it was too risky to biopsy (it was near a vein), they also monitored it in 3 months, followed by 2 MRIs at 6 months. My last this past January. No change . God must have plans for me.

They said my next one can be done next January - however I asked to schedule this October before we ‘snowbird’ in Florida (shorter drive from the Twin Cities to Rochester than Ft. Myers to Jacksonville Mayo).

I understand your concern and anxiety. My PCP at Alina in Woodbury, MN coined the phrase “scananxiety”,…lol. I have the same emotions. My local priest reminded me to “Surrender everything to Jesus and say “you take care of it””. Jesus only wants the BEST for you - no matter the outcome. It IS THE BEST for you, even if we don’t see it that way. EVERYTHING is in His hands. (You can search for the Surrender Prayer online if you wish)

Yes, easy to say - hard to do. Yet TRUST in the Lord.

It has helped me a great deal,

God bless.

Hello mikewdby,
I really enjoyed your inclusion about faith yet acceptance about your medical condition. My cousin recently gave me the same advice (yet yours said more beautifully I think), and I shrugged it off as “easy for her to say”, but you explain it so beautifully that now I understand what she was saying. Kudos to you!

I had CT scan the picked up very small cyst and because of strong family history of pancreatic cancer (sister and mgf) an MRI was done 9 months later.
The cyst had not changed but since it was located on the main duct, my MD/Surgeon did an EUS 3 months later. Cyst had grown putting in high risk size.
Whipple done 5/13/2022. Pathology showed mild dysplasia. My excellent surgeon, in Appleton WI saved me from getting full blown cancer. No chemo needed!! (All 15 lymph nodes negative)
Only red flag that prompted me to see MD was having “white” stool 2 days in a row!
Yes, we do have guardian angels watching over us!!!

@sweettea, I can understand your concern and desire to be monitored more closely. Have you asked your team the pros and cons of additional imaging tests to watch for changes or what changes to watch for? What about getting a second opinion?

@carfbuch Two months ago after undergoing an abdominal CT, a 3 cm Mucinous cyst was identified. After additional testing (MRI, CT, and EU/FNA) were done, cyst recession was advised by two different Drs. My question is, do Drs. know what the % probability is for the different types of cysts of becoming cancerous? The Whipple procedure is quite a complex surgery and not without some significant permanent morbidities such as life long enzymes need and diabetes. Thank you for feedback!

Question to all: I am a two time cancer person already...breast and thyroid (25 and 15 yrs ago respectively). Last month, lesions were found in my pancreas, 1.3 cm. I'm told protocol is to wait another 6 months for a second MRI to detect growth or stability. I'm STILL trying to get an answer from doc as to whether protocol for a cancer person should differ and if I should have another MRI (or something else?) sooner. Any advice, similar situations are all appreciated. Thank you.

Hi, I would encourage you not to wait 6 months. I waited 6 months and have come to regret it.

When a monster is attacking it makes little sense to sit back and say “ I’ll fight back later”.

What about a biopsy?