Concerned about risk of Pancreatic Tail Cancer

M 31, Caucasian, in healthy shape and no history of cancer.

3 weeks ago I was woken up with horrible pain in my lower left abdominal region and lower back, doctors did bloods and urine, came back normal and they diagnosed it as IBS and gave me an ultrasound. Ultrasound came back normal on everything they could see. They couldn't see all of my pancreas but the head and mid section looked fine, although the tail was hidden from view. They also could not see my stomach and intestines and have requested a CT scan, which takes place in 2 days. Other organs such as liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen etc all looked fine under the ultrasound. I also have a stool sample and bloods to be done Monday.

After taking antibiotics the pain in the lower left region is gone however I have a strange pressure/discomfort in my upper left abdomen underneath the ribs. This sometimes travels to my lower left abdomen and when standing up for periods of time I get pain in my lower back also. Stool seems relatively normal aside from being ever so slightly lighter than normal and having ongoing issues with undigested bits of food in it (sweetcorn, peppers etc which I know can be normal) and this is why I don't think it's IBS related. Usually IBS sufferers tend to get diarrhea or constipation and get cramps do they not? 

I have also had various muscle aches and have lost a kilo of weight despite not trying, although this could also be put down to me drinking less water the last week and also anxiety...

I suffer badly with anxiety, especially to do with health and am absolutely terrified that I have a pancreatic tumor in the tail of the pancreas. So much so I'm scared that even if it's there it'll be missed by the CT scan. 

It's the unknown that's killing me, making me worry that it could be something sinister. To the point where I'm actively hoping it's a different, more treatable form of cancer, just anything but pancrea tic cancer

Someone please give me some insight, I beg

  • Welcome to the forum, LookingforAnswers7.

    It sounds like you're going through a very challenging time, and it's understandable to be worried about your health, especially when facing uncertainty. It's positive that your initial tests have returned normal results and that you are scheduled for further investigation with a CT scan as this should help clarify what might be causing your symptoms.

    It's good to hear that some of your pain has subsided after taking antibiotics, and hopefully, the upcoming tests will provide you with more answers. Anxiety can indeed amplify your concerns and it's important to remember that you are actively seeking medical advice and undergoing the necessary diagnostic tests.

    While it's difficult not to worry, try to focus on the fact that your medical team are thorough and are exploring all possibilities. Keep communicating with them about your symptoms and concerns, and try to take things one step at a time. 

    I'm including some information we have on our website about CT scans which might be useful to read.

    Once you know more, please come back and give us an update if you find a moment.

    We'll be thinking of you.

    Best wishes,

    Renata Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi 

    I wanted to pop in.

    And to say I know exactly how your feeling. 

    As I have a cyst in the head of the pancreas and have anual mrcp scan. Next in 4 days I'm scared witless of the results. 

    And I'll be thinking of you.

    If you want to add me your more than welcome. 

    I.too have health anxiety off the scale.  Have to take propranolol to calm me. 

    Your not on your own 

  • Hi Fallmare,

    Thank you for your reply, I'm so sorry to hear about the cyst. Although it may not be cancerous right?

    I had my private CT scan today and am waiting on the results. They could be as long a wait until Monday. 

    What are your symptoms? 

    I'm currently experiencing abdominal discomfort underneath my left rib and in the back. Backache up the top and bottom of my back. Loss of appetite, weight loss and stool changes.

    The anxiety is so bad, I went to an emergency gp and they gave given me diazepam which I'm taking once a day to help me sleep.

    I'm so scared its cancer of the tail, everyone is saying it would be unlikely given im 31, not a drinker or smoker and don't eat a lot of red meat. But my symptoms align with that as well as other things like lymphoma.

    I don't know what to do. I dread the thought of dying from this and leaving my wonderful partner behind and having my life cut short

  • Did you ever get anywhere? As this sounds all too familiar.

  • Had a multitude of tests and all came back negative for any cancer or mass.

    CT nothing, MRCP nothing, CA199 well below cancer marker at 4 (marker is 37+), amylase normal, fecal elastase normal

    All my other bloods came back normal as well as fecal calprotectin.

    Final diagnosis was post infectious IBS exacerbated by extreme stress and anxiety. After the diagnosis my symptoms eased and I'm now back to like 90% and living normal day to day life.

    Get the tests, get the scans, even if it's just for peace of mind. 

  • Glad the tests came back all ok and that most of the symptoms subsided :-)