Unfortunately, chronic pancreatitis can cause mild elevations of the serum CA 19-9 tumor marker, just as cancer of the pancreas and bile ducts can. On the other hand, EUS, in the hands of an experienced GI physician, is a very sensitive and accurate test for detecting small tumors in the head, neck, and body of the pancreas (you are correct that CT, and to a lesser extent, MRI, can miss small pancreatic tumors, particularly within an acutely inflamed pancreas).
There are multiple different known causes of pancreatitis, including alcohol intake, elevated triglycerides, certain medications (including steroids), and gallstones. Also, there are several types of autoimmune pancreatitis, as well. As with most diseases, however, there are also many cases of pancreatitis for which no apparent cause can be identified.
I hope that your repeat EUS studies continue to be normal.
Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS
http://doctorwascher.com
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