What is pancreas calcification?
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Hello, this past Saturday night I was in such pain that I went to the ER. They did blood work as well as a CT scan and told me that the entire head of my pancreas was calcified. My blood tests were all within normal ranges. I have a history of high cholesterol and lost a lot of weight without exercising and dieting. Also, the report mentioned Extensive calcifications within the head of the pancreas. what this could mean?
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@riko Hello, Pancreatic calcification is a diagnostic feature of chronic pancreatitis even in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. Pancreatic calcification is seen on radiographs in about 30-50% of patients with chronic pancreatitis in adults. Pancreatic calcifications, often considered pathognomonic of chronic pancreatitis, are observed in approximately 30% of cases with chronic pancreatitis. The calcified shrunken pancreas can be detected by abdominal CT scan in advanced cases. CT is less sensitive in early or moderate cases. Chronic pancreatitis, especially as a result of alcoholic pancreatitis is the most common cause of calcification in the pancreas. However other causes of chronic pancreatitis can also cause calcification. The most common primary pancreatic tumor, ductal adenocarcinoma, characteristically does not calcify. However, pancreatic carcinoma may develop in the pancreas with underlying chronic pancreatitis, or, it may develop in the setting of chronic pancreatitis that results from an obstructing ductal adenocarcinoma. Getting a second opinion is a good idea. Thanks!!