High Lipase - is this indicative of pancreatic cancer?

Posted by tlhuckins @tlhuckins, Dec 18, 2023

Hello - my story is very long and complicated; Ive been having random symptoms of all kinds for the last 5 years. Some chest pain I thought was heartburn, severe dry eyes/mouth, nasal ulcers, positive ANA, racing heart, insomnia, hyperlipidemia I’ve been told is genetic, etc etc etc. My question is - I just had a lipase test come back high, 113. I need help, I am panicking - is this indicative of pancreatic cancer?

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I am not a medical expert of any sort, so I can't really answer your question. Please take everything I say here as ideas, not anything definitive. I just did a quick search for the causes of elevated lipase levels, and I found that these results are often linked to issues with the pancreas. Some sites did mention cancer, but it seemed (to me anyway) that that wasn't the primary possibility. Most mentioned things like pancreatitis and blocked bile duct. FWIW, I don't remember anyone telling me about my lipase levels, and I'm a stage 4 pancan patient. The blood test we track routinely is the CA 19-9.

I hate that you're frightened. BTDT! If I were you, I would be in touch with my MD's office. Which MD ordered the test that obtained the lipase result? If you're working with a primary-care doc, I would ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. If you're working with a gastroenterologist, I would ask the MD to explain the possibilities and how you can rule various diagnoses in or out. Before you go into that appointment, do some research and reading, and make some notes so you know what you need to know and don't forget to ask. If you're really frazzled, consider taking someone with you to the appointment so that person can take notes and help organize info. Hopefully you can obtain some information that will help you and the doctor decide which way to proceed. I hope all goes well!

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