Pancreatic cancer

Hi, a family member had stomach problems 2 weeks ago, and was told it must be constipation and given laxatives. It didnt help though and he ended up at a and e. After they checked his stomach he was sent for a CT scan which came back showing a mass on his pancreas. He needed more tests and is now booked for an endoscopy next week. Hes also been put on morphine.

I live far away so I only know what hes told me over the phone and I wonder if he is holding back. From googling (I know I know, bad idea) it looks like most people find out their results from the CT scan. He said they told him they THINK its cancer but they dont know. So can i still think of it as likely that it's nothing or do I need to be preparing for it to be something? And can it be that they dont know the results from a ct scan? 

Thank you in advance.

  • Hello Russ1234

    I'm sorry to hear that your relative is in hospital and facing a possible cancer diagnosis. It's obviously a worrying time for you all. 

    Sometimes more than one test is needed to be able to give a definitive diagnosis and this is likely why your relative is now waiting on these additional tests and endoscopy. Hopefully once these are complete the team looking after him will have a clearer picture of what is going on and will be able to give a firm diagnosis. 

    We know that waiting for news can be a difficult time. If you'd like to chat anything through with one of our team of nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator