Dear Doctor Roach: I’m writing to seek your perspective on a diagnosis that has caused me significant anxiety. A recent incidental finding on an MRI, followed by an endoscopic ultrasound, revealed a cluster of several small cysts (3-7 mm) in my pancreas. They’re suspected to be branch-duct intra ductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). My main pancreatic duct is mildly enlarged.My doctors have recommended an MRI/MRCP with and without contrast in six months, followed by ongoing monitoring every six months to two years. I’ve been told that IPMNs are precancerous but usually don’t progress to cancer. The thought of frequent, lengthy MRIs and long-term cancer surveillance is overwhelming. ...read more read less