Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had a CT and MRI of my pancreas. The CT was for an emergency room visit because of colitis. It found probable fatty pancreas with atrophy. I was scared, so I had an MRI. It stated mild stable fatty atrophy of the pancreas. I was still scared, so I consulted with another doctor. The doctor there got two things wrong. She said I had 2 CTs, but I only had one. She said my MRI was in June, but it was in January. Her opinion was what mattered; timing did not. She stated that this was a benign finding. I read an article today about focal pancreatic parenchymal atrophy. It has terrified me. It states that focal parenchymal atrophy is a precursor of pancreatic cancer.
Is focal parenchymal atrophy different than what is noted in my reports?
My doctor and a gastroenterologist who I visited never mentioned this. The gastroenterologist said there was a small link, if any, with fatty atrophy and that I had no other risks. Everyone thinks I am fine, that it is benign, and that I have no other high-risk factors. Can you please explain? I am so upset and scared now. My doctor said fatty atrophy is secondary to aging, and no follow-up is required. The many articles I read on the aging pancreas and fatty pancreas say that it is normal for the pancreas to get fatty and atrophy with age.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I am reviewing your case history in detail and attached files (attachments removed for patient identity protection). Do not worry.
I will get back to you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you, doctor, for your answer.
I was so terrified. Do you agree that I am fine?
There was no history of pancreatic cancer in my family. I have not had any alcohol in over six months. I eat low-carb foods. After reading the article about focal pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, I just thought I was doomed. You said it is not suggested that one has repeat imaging for a fatty pancreas. Is that the same advice for pancreatic atrophy, no repeat images? Can I relax and forget about this? It has worried me for months, and I cannot go on like this. I want to stop worrying. The Internet has so much information that it seems like everything is cancer-causing.
Thank you.
Hi doctor,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
1) Yes, I agree that you are fine. That was an incidental finding. I do not know how long it was there. Do not make your life difficult while taking extraordinary stress.
2) Your family has no history of pancreatic cancer; that is great. Avoid alcohol and take care of your diet, but there are no absolute limitations. You can have meals of your choice like a normal person. You do not have diabetes or pancreatic insufficiency, so your diet is not 100 percent strict.
3) No-repeat imaging; we are talking about the focal area of atrophy, not the whole pancreas, so the remaining pancreas would have good reserves to continue a normal life—no recommendations to repeat imaging again and again regarding focal pancreatic atrophy or focal fatty pancreas.
4) You should relax. Extra stress or anxiety would compromise your quality of life.
5) Internet will provide unfiltered information, increasing your anxiety, and you will not be able to interpret it medically.
Wishing you excellent health
Thank you.
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