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What Causes Intermittent Pain In The Ribs Post A Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?

Posted on Tue, 18 Apr 2017

Question: I am a pancreatic cancer survivor of 5+ years and have been well. I have been getting intermittent pain under my left rib cage. Could this be a sign of recurrence? My last ca19-9 was 8 in January

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. It is unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. So its past 5 years that u suffered from pancreatic cancer and most recurrence occur in this period only. So it is very unlikely that its a relapse. Also ca 19.9 is normal so no need to worry. Still u will advise you to get an ultrasound and chest xray to confirm the cause as rarely cancer may behave bizarre.
Goodluck.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (46 minutes later)

Hi thank you for answering my question. I am a nurse and have a doctor friend write me prescriptions for blood work every three months.
I will celebrate my 6 year Whipple anniversary on April 27.
Presently I get yearly scans. Do you know when the scans will stop and just blood work be done. Thinking too much radiation
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. We usually stop evaluation after 5 years

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I would stop routine evaluation after 5 years. After that evaluation is done only if the patient is symptomatic.
Thanks and regards

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy