Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does "normal Anatomic Variation Of The Pancreas" Mean?
Question: This was on my CT..I am very worried about cancer. I had this ct scan back on 4/9/14 in the Er and no one mentioned the pancreas. I found it while gong through my records last weeek. i have an appt on tues with my GI Doc.
is this normal? I also have GERD .. I do have pain directly on my ribs..but this has been on and off for years .feels like squishy fatty lumps
LIMITED ABDOMEN: Small to moderate hiatal hernia. There is an unusual contour to the body of the pancreas with the posterior aspect bulging but approximately 16 x 20 mm in size. A pancreatic MRI would be useful to confirm that this is truly just a
normal anatomic variation of the pancreas and to exclude a pancreatic lesion or peripancreatic lymph node.
BONES: Normal.
CONCLUSION:
1. No evidence of pulmonary embolus.
2. Small to moderate hiatal hernia.
3. Unusual contour to the posterior body of the pancreas which is likely a normal variation of pancreatic anatomy. In order to exclude a peripancreatic lymph node or exophytic pancreatic mass, further evaluation would be recommended with either CT or MRI
of the abdomen, non-emergently.
is this normal? I also have GERD .. I do have pain directly on my ribs..but this has been on and off for years .feels like squishy fatty lumps
LIMITED ABDOMEN: Small to moderate hiatal hernia. There is an unusual contour to the body of the pancreas with the posterior aspect bulging but approximately 16 x 20 mm in size. A pancreatic MRI would be useful to confirm that this is truly just a
normal anatomic variation of the pancreas and to exclude a pancreatic lesion or peripancreatic lymph node.
BONES: Normal.
CONCLUSION:
1. No evidence of pulmonary embolus.
2. Small to moderate hiatal hernia.
3. Unusual contour to the posterior body of the pancreas which is likely a normal variation of pancreatic anatomy. In order to exclude a peripancreatic lymph node or exophytic pancreatic mass, further evaluation would be recommended with either CT or MRI
of the abdomen, non-emergently.
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
thank you for sending the question.
as the imaging study demonstrates it is most likely an anatomical variation that is being described. The radiologist is suggesting a magnetic resonance imaging study to be performed to help give greater detail regarding the contour and anatomy of the pancreas.
anatomic variations are described from time to time on imaging studies. If you had other concerning symptoms including unexpected weight loss or progressive abdominal pain or obstruction of flow of enzymes from the pancreas or bile from the liver we would be more suspicious that the imaging findings represents something pathologic.
It sounds like you have an appointment with a gastroenterologist to discuss this further. You could consider asking this physician for a MRI of the abdomen with attention to the congrats. Most likely this will demonstrate do you have an ianatomic variant of normal pancreas.
Thanks again for sending your question.please let us know if you have any additional specific concerns in the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
thank you for sending the question.
as the imaging study demonstrates it is most likely an anatomical variation that is being described. The radiologist is suggesting a magnetic resonance imaging study to be performed to help give greater detail regarding the contour and anatomy of the pancreas.
anatomic variations are described from time to time on imaging studies. If you had other concerning symptoms including unexpected weight loss or progressive abdominal pain or obstruction of flow of enzymes from the pancreas or bile from the liver we would be more suspicious that the imaging findings represents something pathologic.
It sounds like you have an appointment with a gastroenterologist to discuss this further. You could consider asking this physician for a MRI of the abdomen with attention to the congrats. Most likely this will demonstrate do you have an ianatomic variant of normal pancreas.
Thanks again for sending your question.please let us know if you have any additional specific concerns in the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So nothing here on these findings as a doctor that would cAuse concern? You have no idea how crazy this has made me.. I think my anxiety has got the best.of me. Thank you for answereing. This was 6 months ago ..I would think if had pancreatic cancer I would hopefully know it by.now. I read it is absolutely dreadful and very aggressive..sorry anxiety talking again ..thanks again
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
again I really do not see any real signs of active pancreatic cancer. Try to take some comfort in that. I am confident that for the discussion with your doctors will help you further comfort yourself regarding this particular concern.
please follow up with your doctors and I am sure additional information will provide you this comfort.
In the meantime try to maintain a good balance of healthy diet and physical activity.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
again I really do not see any real signs of active pancreatic cancer. Try to take some comfort in that. I am confident that for the discussion with your doctors will help you further comfort yourself regarding this particular concern.
please follow up with your doctors and I am sure additional information will provide you this comfort.
In the meantime try to maintain a good balance of healthy diet and physical activity.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
