Would a CT scan rule out pancreatic cancer?

[OctaviaPole]

DH had a CT scan due to what was thought to be kidney stones. They've now said it isn't that because he should no longer be in as much pain as he is. They now suspect gall bladder problems as he's still in a lot of pain. He's having an ultrasound today. I'm terrified it's pancreatic cancer. Would the CT scan have spotted this?

Yes, I think the CT scan would give some indication they need to look at his pancreas further. My uncle had pancreatic cancer and he did not feel pain until quite late into diagnosis. As PP said, his initial symptoms presented very differently, Gall bladder sounds more likely so try not to worry too much although easier said than done. Big hugs to you, and your DH

Thanks so much for reassuring me. I'm not normally so negative but this has really got to me. DH is awful at asking questions or even remembering what the doctor says so I'm going today to make sure we hopefully find out what is causing his pain.

I have cancer (not pancreatic). A CT scan definitely showed mine.

Have they also done blood tests? CA19-9 is a marker for pancreatic cancer that can be tested for in blood. I have a condition that puts me at heightened risk for pancreatic cancer, so have had it done. I don't know how definitive it is (I don't think it's 100%), but it's something to query. But yes, a CT would hopefully show something if it's there.

Is it a normal ultrasound or an endoscopic one? The endoscopic ones are very good at viewing the pancreas (but the regular one is good too - that's all I've ever had).

A CT scan will show up pancreatic cancer but if they were looking to see if he had kidney stones then they may have done a CT KUB which is kidneys/ureters/bladder. This wouldn't look at the abdomen but if they did both areas then it should rule it out if negative on those.
Gall bladder pain can be very extreme and this is more likely, but wishing you all the best for his ultrasound today. If that doesn't show anything then they will do more scans I would imagine to get to the bottom of the cause.

Pancreatic cancer is a bugger to diagnose sometimes . My poor brother had problems with his pancreas for years , in and out of hospital. They did all the available tests . They knew he had a blockage in his duct and they put a stent in once . They had talked about a whipple operation once . They never ever used the term cancer for his condition but it finally got him and took his life . He was a shadow of himself . One week before he passed in palliative care they concluded it was cancer . On his death certificate it’s suspected pancreatic cancer . Hopefully your dad has only gallstones. I’ve had them , they are a killer with pain. Good luck.

If a CT was done for kidney stones, he wouldn't have had an injection of contrast dye. Without that, the sensitivity of the CT will have been much lower for looking at the other organs. The quality of the CT is also lower. To look at the rest of the abdomen and pelvis he would need a repeat scan with the injection of contrast dye

The ultrasound isn't great for looking at the pancreas either as it can be covered with gas filled bowel.

I don't know about pancreatic cancer OP, but just to say I currently have a thread about suspected gallbladder problems and it really is the worst pain I've ever had, honestly as bad as being in labour with my kids. So it could well be that. I hope you get some answers today.

So have been to the hospital and he's been scanned and nothing wrong with his gall bladder. They have sent him home with painkillers and anti-inflammatories. They've suggested it could be muscular. He's to see his GP if it's not better in a week. I asked about his pancreas and his bloods don't have any markers for infection or anything else. So at least there's that positive. He's still in pain but has managed to sleep this afternoon. Thanks all for your responses and for reassuring me.

Pancreatic cancer will show in CT abdomen with contrast.
also CA1-19 blood test is a marker for cancer or I flamation of pancreas. Sudden weight loss and sudden inset diabetes in younger people also a red flag for pancreatic cancer. Ask for the blood test and diabetes test if you’re concerned. Don’t delay and most symptoms don’t show until it’s late! Keep revering with the doctors . Best wishes