What does mild pancreatic atrophy mean?

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.

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.