How likely is it that an abdominal MRI with contrast would miss pancreatic cancer?
I have a lot of pancreatic cancer symptoms: nearly constant mild nausea, burping all of the time, upper abdominal pain (stinging feeling, sometimes a deep ache), mid back pain on the left and upper left back pain. The pain bounces around and comes and goes. I also have muscle twitches all over my body and chills. I just don't feel right.
I had a ton of blood tests including liver, inflammation, vitamins, etc. All normal.
I had a normal abdominal/pelvic CT with oral barium contrast and IV contrast. I have since read that barium in the stomach and intestines can block out the pancreas, because barium has medal in it, causing the CT to not be as accurate.
I had an abdominal MRI with MRCP with no contrast that came back normal.
I then paid privately for an abdominal MRI with contrast that also came back normal.
I also had a colonoscopy/endoscope that came back normal as well.
I still have all of the symptoms, so even with these normal tests I can't shake the thought that I have PC. Any words of wisdom would be so appreciated. The anxiety that has come with this over the last six months has not been fun.
My great aunt died of PC in her 60s.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one really looks to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges.
Obviously we are not medical professionals so can’t answer your questions but can appreciate the challenges of getting clear answer to what your body is doing. For me it took over a year, two CTs and 6 biopsies to find my rate type of blood cancer
Lots of tests and lack of diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who have been on the same type of journey can help a lot.
The Community is organised into support groups so you may want to start by joining our supportive Pancreatic cancer group as this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family.
Follow the above link then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the page opens. You can then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listing ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best.
