Hello,I have been having dull right upper quadrant pain for three months.  The pain is intermittant and falls right under my right rib cage.  I finally went to see a Dr. because I am concered as I am a otherwise healthy 33 year old woman.  They ran some various bloodwork on me and did a U/A. They called to tell me that my bloodwork was all wnl.  Being a curious type ( I am a nurse) I asked them to send my results to me.  Upon reviewing them I see my Lipase is 259 with a Amylase of 91.  This particular lab considered my lipase of 259 normal.  Their range is 23-300.  I know this is high, especially for me who has no history of illness.  I am concerned and will be making another appointment on Monday.  I am freaking out because all I can think of is Pancreatic cancer.  Please offer me some advice or suggestions.  Thanks, J
Hi and thanks for using this panel for your questions. I am sorry about what you are experiencing right now. Thinking of the worst possible diagnosis is most common among health professionals. I am not surprised you are thinking of pancreatic cancer. I am not exactly sure why you have this pain but I will tell you why Pancreatic cancer is not anywhere near the top on my list. Pancreatic cancer occurs in older individuals who have a significant smoking and alcohol consumption history... They present with wasting, jaundice, and this really constant annoying pains at diagnosis.... You are no where there. Also, high lipase levels are more common with inflammation of the pancreas and not cancer of the pancreas. If the lab says this falls in the normal range, though close to the upper limit, please it is normal, and you should consider it so unless otherwise. I will strongly suggest that you get this thought of cancer out of your head. The mere thought of this is enough to make this pain very real which in reality may not really be the case. Tell yourself I am okay and say that as many times as possible until you get the feeling of having cancer of the pancreas out of your head. If you need the services of a psychiatrist to do this, then please consult one. I hope it does not turn to be a case of Hyperion Chat Doctor. .getting increasingly worried about having a dangerous illness despite prove to the contrary. I hope this helps. I wish you good health. If need be, I am more than happy to talk more with you.