Enlarged spleen with splenic varices - scared of pancreatic cancer in the tail

Let me just start by saying I suffer very badly with health anxiety since my Dad died at 47 years old. He was never sick and taken from us so soon.

I found out incidentally in June that my spleen is mildly enlarged at 13.1cm and the ultrasound noted some splenic varices. I had the ultrasound as I thought I could see a fat lump in that area and my GP leaves no stone unturned and arranged a routine US.

I was surprised about the spleen and initially the concern of blood cancer (dads cancer) did worry me but haematology refused my referral as bloods were all normal and my spleen was actually 13cm in 2021 so not much change.

However, to be on the safe side doc also referred me to gastro. They have now booked me in directly for a CT scan. This is when I have really started to worry about the spenic varices as google (I know shouldn't do it but we all do!) suggust a problem with the pancreas and pancreatic cancer in the tail can cause these. My pancreas was normal on the ultrasound and it did not say that anything was obscured but my mind is in over drive. I am so sorry for those who have been diagnosed with this awful disease and I just want to know if anyone has experienced anything similar.

I have no symptoms to correlate with PC but I do have a niggly back pain on left flank. Nothing that effects me day to day.

US report findings below:

The spleen is heterogenous in texture and is enlarged measuring. 131mm. Splenic varices noted.

No other solid organ pathology noted 

Grossly normal appearance of liver. No overt focal leasion seen.

The portal vein is patent with heptopetal flow. Normal appearances to gallbladder, CBD, pancreas, aorta and both kidneys. No intra or extra hepatic duct dilation.

If anyone can help talk sense into me I would be so so grateful.

Thanks 

  • Hi lifewithanixety5 and welcome to the forum.

    It's good to hear your doctor is being thorough although I'm sorry for the stress and worry google has caused after you looked online to find out the possible causes of your enlarged spleen.

    As you mention in your post, it's so easy to do but from here on out try to steer clear of Google if you can as the information on there is very general and will only make your fears and worries worse.

    Our members know how tough it can be to stop our minds wandering in situations like these, so you are not alone lifewithanxiety5, and hopefully some of them will stop by soon to offer their support and advice.

    I'm not sure from your post if you are or have received any help with your health anxiety but if not then I hope this information I've found on the NHS website will help you manage your anxiety whilst you wait. In the meantime, try to stay busy and distracted as this will help take your mind off things, if only for a little while.

    Fingers crossed your CT scan comes through soon lifewithanxiety5 and the results show everything is o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator