OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Pancreatic Cancer

Greetings, I am reaching out in search of encouragement or comfort, as I am becoming increasingly convinced that I may have pancreatic cancer. To provide some context, I am a 41-year-old male, married, and a father to three young children aged 5, 3, and 9 months. Currently, I am awaiting the results from a CT scan conducted nine days ago, which examined my pancreas, pelvis, and abdomen. My journey began about four months ago during a stressful period when I was concerned about having skin cancer. Unfortunately, I did indeed have a skin cancer diagnosis, but I was fortunate enough to catch it in time, and it was successfully removed. However, since that point, I have been troubled by persistent mid-back pain, located just left of my spine. Initially, this discomfort was sporadic, but over the past four months, it has escalated to a constant nagging sensation. While I typically manage the pain without medication, it remains a source of annoyance. Over the past four months, my anxiety surrounding health issues deepened as I sought to make sense of the back pain. My worries led me to contemplate dire scenarios, including skin cancer recurrence, followed by concerns about spinal and lung cancers. Thankfully, tests for these conditions returned negative. In the previous month, however, I've started experiencing additional discomfort, which has intensified my fears surrounding pancreatic cancer. Recently, I have developed abdominal pain primarily on the left side, occasionally beneath my ribs and around my navel. More troublingly, I have begun to experience strong flank pain that radiates to my side. The location of my back pain has also shifted; sometimes it's in the middle, at times between my shoulder blades, or, more recently, behind my ribcage. The abdominal pain is variable—it’s never excruciating, but it’s undeniably uncomfortable and persistent. Only by lying down or sitting can I find some relief. At times, it feels as though there’s an object lodged just beneath my sternum. Accompanying these symptoms has been a weight loss of 14 pounds over the past three months. Although this might be linked to my health anxieties, my weight has stabilized for the last two to three weeks. I have maintained a good appetite, but I frequently notice yellowish-brown stools, which can range from solid to soft. Additionally, my belching has increased throughout the day, and I've noticed a rise in flatulence over the past week or two. A variety of tests have been conducted recently: an abdominal ultrasound, blood work—including assessments for pancreatic and liver function, a CA19-9 marker test, and an MRI of my thoracic back—all of which yielded normal results. I also underwent an endoscopy, which revealed only mild gastritis. I apologize for the lengthy message, but these past four months have been immensely challenging, particularly with the anxiety of potentially being unable to be there for my young family. I’m hoping someone might offer some reassurance or suggest that these troubling symptoms could stem from something other than pancreatic cancer.

Answers (1)

6/20/2025, 5:50:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's completely understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially when symptoms are persistent and concerning. I want to reassure you that many factors can contribute to the symptoms you're experiencing, and it is not exclusively indicative of pancreatic cancer, especially considering your recent tests have been normal. Let’s break this down:

Main Points

1. Symptoms and Concerns: Your back pain, abdominal discomfort, fluctuating stool color, and weight loss are understandably distressing.
2. Anxiety and Health: It's common to link symptoms to serious conditions when feeling anxious, especially after an earlier health scare.
3. Test Results: Normal scans and tests are reassuring indicators that many serious conditions, including pancreatic cancer, have not been detected.

Explanation

The symptoms you've described—such as back pain, abdominal discomfort, irregular stools, and weight loss—can stem from multiple sources other than pancreatic cancer. In fact, you’ve had a series of tests (including ultrasounds, blood work, and endoscopy) which have all returned normal results besides mild gastritis. This suggests that more serious conditions are less likely.

The back pain you mentioned, especially combined with stress and anxiety, can be a symptom of muscle tension or even anxiety itself. Similarly, gastrointestinal symptoms could be linked to anxiety, dietary changes, or conditions like gastritis, rather than pancreatic issues.

Next Steps

1. Focus on Stress Management: Consider techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or light exercise to help manage your anxiety.
2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary to track when your symptoms occur and any potential triggers. This can help identify patterns and alleviate some anxiety.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you're following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest, all of which can significantly affect both physical and mental health.
4. Follow Up: Continue communication with your healthcare providers regarding your ongoing symptoms, especially the abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Ensure to discuss your anxiety too, as it can influence physical health.
5. Empathy for Yourself: Acknowledge that the past four months have been difficult. It’s okay to feel anxious, and seeking comfort in your loved ones—especially your young children—can help provide a necessary sense of normalcy.

If your symptoms worsen or new concerning symptoms arise, it’s important to reassess your situation with your healthcare provider. You are not alone in this journey; take each day as it comes and prioritize your mental well-being alongside your physical symptoms. Let me know if you need more specific information on any aspect.