Question 1

how frequently are tumors on the pancreas benign?

Accepted Answer

Small %: The majority of pancreatic tumors arise in the intraductal structures and then invade.  These are the high grade carcinomas.  A small group areise from the islets of Langerhans and most of them are benign.  Benign cyst adenomas are also occasionally found.  One has to make sure that a beinign lesion is not one that converts to the malignant component.

Question 2

how often do tumors on the pancreas end up being benign?

Accepted Answer

Not often: Most of them are malignant, especially if solid. And many cystic lesions are premalignant..

Question 3

i have a small cyst on the head of my pancreas that appears to be benign. recommendation is to have a second mri in 9 months to see if it changes. is it a reasonable plan?

Accepted Answer

It sounds: Reasonable. Most cysts remain stable. Best wishes!

Question 4

oncology: would it be prudent for a surgeon to remove a benign tumor (if it was) of the pancreas when there is a family history of pc?

Accepted Answer

Ask the surgeon: I guess the question is 'is there an association between benign tumor and later malignant pancreatic cancer'.  But how do you know its benign?  In any case, putting the question directly to your surgical consult, and checking the answer with your own practitioner is a good idea.

Question 5

is there signs to know if the mass which grows quickly in the abdomen to the pancreas causes a benign tumor of pancreas or malignant tumor?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: Rapid growth of a tumor is worrisome for cancer. Only a biopsy can give definite answer.

Question 6

my gastro diagnosed me with chronic asymptomatic pancreatic hyperenzymemia after clear ct scan and mrcp. they say it's benign. should i get more test?

Accepted Answer

Usually no: Benign vs. Not controversy

the doctor treats chronic pancreatitis by relieving pain and managing the nutritional and metabolic problems. The patient can reduce the amount of fat and protein lost in stools by cutting back on dietary fat and taking pills containing pancreatic enzymes. This will result in better nutrition and weight gain.  Sometimes Insulin or other drugs  given to control the pts.

Question 7

person diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. had whipple operation and past benign pet/ct scans over past 6 months. can person think this as cancer free?

Accepted Answer

Not entirely: Scans cannot detect small cells that are in the process of growing. It is however a positive sign that there was nothing seen in the scan. Best to foow the recommendation of the medical and surgical oncologists, and have the recommended follow up scans. Hope this helps!

Question 8

oncologist's: during surgery, can a surgeon actually see the difference between a cancerous vs. a benign tumor/mass in the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

Surgeon's view: First not a surgeon but work in surgery every single day.  It can very difficult to say with certainty if a mass of the pancreas is malignant.  It can be difficult even with the help of a microscope.  If there is a pancreatic mass with several enlarged lymph nodes nearbye the surgeon will usually think they are dealing with a cancer but they usually wait for the pathology report before telling pt.

Question 9

mom has high ca 19-9 (58.7), pancreatic ct scan clear. lifelong sle (lupus), but also new benign adrenal adenoma. can this explain high tumor marker?

Accepted Answer

Tumor marker: tumor markers like ca19-9 should not be used for diagnosis..they only good for follow up after diagnosis was made by tissue biopsy.use of tumor markers as screening may subject the patients to unnecessary testings which could lead to  unnecessary complications .

Question 10

can your pancreas be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Yes very hard: There have been pancreas transplants but the surgery is difficult and tedious. The easiest thing is insulin replacement using either a pump or simple injections

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Doctor answers about:

Benign pancreatic

A member asked:

How frequently are tumors on the pancreas benign?

A member asked:

How often do tumors on the pancreas end up being benign?

A member asked:

I have a small cyst on the head of my pancreas that appears to be benign. recommendation is to have a second mri in 9 months to see if it changes. is it a reasonable plan?

A member asked:

Oncology: would it be prudent for a surgeon to remove a benign tumor (if it was) of the pancreas when there is a family history of pc?

A member asked:

Is there signs to know if the mass which grows quickly in the abdomen to the pancreas causes a benign tumor of pancreas or malignant tumor?

A member asked:

My gastro diagnosed me with chronic asymptomatic pancreatic hyperenzymemia after clear ct scan and mrcp. they say it's benign. should i get more test?

A member asked:

Person diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. had whipple operation and past benign pet/ct scans over past 6 months. can person think this as cancer free?

A member asked:

Oncologist's: during surgery, can a surgeon actually see the difference between a cancerous vs. a benign tumor/mass in the pancreas?

A member asked:

Mom has high ca 19-9 (58.7), pancreatic ct scan clear. lifelong sle (lupus), but also new benign adrenal adenoma. can this explain high tumor marker?

A member asked:

Can your pancreas be replaced?

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