Question 1

when should i get a ct scan vs. ultrasound? i had an ultrasound done and the doctor said it showed a pancreatic head mass.  however, a ct scan was done by another doctor and he said it showed nothing.  so i had another ultrasound done and the doctor said

Accepted Answer

A : A ct scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast is generally the best way to evaluate the pancreas. It would be unusual for an ultrasound to detect a pancreatic mass that cannot be seen on ct. Generally, i would trust the ct scan over the ultrasound findings, but it sounds like your pancreas has a very unusual appearance on ultrasound. Someone needs to take the ct scan images to the radiologist who evaluated the ultrasound studies and have him/her compare both studies and explain why the mass is not seen on the ct images. It is extremely important that radiologists have comparison studies available to them so that the most accurate diagnosis is achieved.

Question 2

what does "enlargment of pancreatic head homogenous without mass effect. associated with intraabdominal nodules, portal vein thrombosis, caudat segmen?

Accepted Answer

Continue work up: As an ER doctor this means more work up is needed for certain.

Question 3

pancreatic head soft tissue mass, with peripheral infiltrative changes and extension to/from colon at hepatic flexure. whats this? ctscan result without contrast, allergic to iodine! is the intravenous with iodine ok for me to have? mri scheduled?

Accepted Answer

: If allergic reaction is only with rash, not anaphylactic reaction then you can still have CT with IV contrast by preparing with benadryl and prednisone before the procedure. MRI is a good alternative if you have bad allergic reaction to iodine. Please note that allergic to sea foods is not the same as allergic to iodine. Good luck.

Question 4

my amylase level is 120. a mass was found on the head of my pancreas. i also suffer with large  stomcah, even with exercise. ?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic mass: I would suggest you see a gastroenterologist who can perform an ultrasound guided endoscopic FNA (fine needle aspirate) of this mass.  You will not have peace of mind until you get a diagnosis.  Once you get a diagnosis you can make and educated decision on treatment.

Question 5

had a ct scan w contrast for up rt ab pain.rslt:pancreas full appreciated head, but is uniform w no discrete mass psbl normal variant. is that common?

Accepted Answer

Probably normal: The comment by the radiologist that "Pancreas full appreciated head" seems incomplete. If the report is indicating the head of the pancreas appears larger than normal, that could be a normal variant, but the result interpretation depends on many other factors in your clinical history. If you have symptoms or tests of pancreatitis, this could reflect that abnormality. It is unlikely to be a tumor.

Question 6

there is a lobulated soft tissue mass noted in the para aortic region involving the ports hepatis. the mass is inseparable from the head of the pancreas. this lobulated mass measures approx 10.8 x 8.2 cm axially..  what does this (likely) indicate? cancer

Accepted Answer

Needs evaluation: Abnormal masses in the abdomen certainly can be due to cancer. This most certainly should be worked up, typically by looking for lesions elsewhere and possibly a biopsy of the mass. What diseases run in your family? There are many non-cancerous and cancerous causes of abdominal masses; it is best not to guess. Get the answer.

Question 7

issues of bloating, abdominal pains, constipation & lower back pains for 2 mos. all bloodwork stable except a1c result is elevated. ct scan w/o contrast (allergic to iodine) shows pancreatic head soft tissue mass. mri recommended. is this cancer?

Accepted Answer

: This is apparently not a cyst. It could be benign, precancerous or cancerous.  The MRI may shed more light on the issue. I recommend consulting an abdominal surgeon with a great deal of experience operating on the pancreas in case surgery is advised. You may have to consult one at the department of surgery at a university hospital.

Question 8

how does a splenic mass affect the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

A big spleen mass...: A big spleen mass (splenic tumor) could press on the tail end of the pancreas. They are next to one another. If a tumor squishes into the pancreas, it might cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and its pain symptoms.

Question 9

what is new enlargement of the pancreatic head with indistinctness of the pancreatic parenchyma?

Accepted Answer

Unclear: It sounds as though you may be reporting the results of an ultrasound or a CAT scan. With just this short description, it is impossible to tell you what this represents, but it is very important whenever a new finding may be present to have it evaluated appropriately. You should see your doctor or a gastroenterologist immediately. Do not ignore this, and do not delay. Good luck.

Question 10

what can the difference be between a 2cm mass of the pancreas and pancreatitis? eus done. could they be one and the same?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatitis usually: diffuse-throughout whole pancreas
nodule is quite localized- so NOT the 'same thing'

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Doctor answers about:

Pancreatic head mass

A member asked:

When should i get a ct scan vs. ultrasound? i had an ultrasound done and the doctor said it showed a pancreatic head mass. however, a ct scan was done by another doctor and he said it showed nothing. so i had another ultrasound done and the doctor said

A member asked:

What does "enlargment of pancreatic head homogenous without mass effect. associated with intraabdominal nodules, portal vein thrombosis, caudat segmen?

A member asked:

Pancreatic head soft tissue mass, with peripheral infiltrative changes and extension to/from colon at hepatic flexure. whats this? ctscan result without contrast, allergic to iodine! is the intravenous with iodine ok for me to have? mri scheduled?

A member asked:

My amylase level is 120. a mass was found on the head of my pancreas. i also suffer with large stomcah, even with exercise. ?

A member asked:

Had a ct scan w contrast for up rt ab pain.rslt:pancreas full appreciated head, but is uniform w no discrete mass psbl normal variant. is that common?

A member asked:

There is a lobulated soft tissue mass noted in the para aortic region involving the ports hepatis. the mass is inseparable from the head of the pancreas. this lobulated mass measures approx 10.8 x 8.2 cm axially.. what does this (likely) indicate? cancer

A member asked:

Issues of bloating, abdominal pains, constipation & lower back pains for 2 mos. all bloodwork stable except a1c result is elevated. ct scan w/o contrast (allergic to iodine) shows pancreatic head soft tissue mass. mri recommended. is this cancer?

A member asked:

How does a splenic mass affect the pancreas?

A member asked:

What is new enlargement of the pancreatic head with indistinctness of the pancreatic parenchyma?

A member asked:

What can the difference be between a 2cm mass of the pancreas and pancreatitis? eus done. could they be one and the same?

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