laura

[laurajt]

I have hemangiomas in the spleen. I was first diagnosed in October. I had a CT Scan then and then had another one ust today. The oncologist said that they havent grown but have nott felt well. I have alot of pressure and am uncomfortable on my left side and told the doctor abou it but he doesnt think it is related. Can you twell me if I will notice any symptoms and whatt would they be?  He wants to do another CT Scan in 6 months.

Thanks,

Laura

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
A second opinion shouldn't hurt.
I don't think that there is enough reason to remove the spleen as of yet. If there is no clear imaging evidence that the size of the hemangiomas is likely producing the pain - then removing the spleen may not give you any relief from the pain (since it was due to something else).
Since you have GERD, some of the symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment is that sensation of feeling bloated and this may be contributory to the pain.
You may need to indeed alter your lifestyle in terms of the frequency and the volumes of food that you take. You could also consider taking some meds that may help relieve that sensation of fullness and see if this would improve your pain.
Hope this helps.

[laurajt]

First I would like to thank you for answering me. I have to say that this has been very surprising to me that I have them . They are all over my spleen.  I have been having severe chest pains and originally thought something was going on with my heart. I had two Ekgs in doctors office , one stress test that I passed without a problem and because I was still having problems I went back to my doctor and he ordered a endocopy . I do have a case of mild gerd. I am taking Zegrid for this. I have high cholesterol so I take Lipitor for that. I am 5"7 155lbs. A caucasion female. This is so rare that the oncologist doesnt understand that I have it in the first place. I was diagnosed in October because I went back to my primary doctor and he ordered a CT Scan that revealed it. In the beginning i felt a pressure in the center of the ribcage in the stomache area .It felt to me like a contraction. It didnt matter when I would get an attack , it was there suddenly and then would go away after about 5 minutes. Sometimes this happened all day, other days it would be every three days. I never went 2 weeks without an attack. It is severe and always felt I was going to die each time.  

Now, I ust went back to the doctor 1-18-08. He said they are still there but he wants to do another CT Scan in 6 months and if they have not grown he plans to do nothing.
For the last month I have pressure along the whole left side of my ribcage, I have a hard time breathing and it is very uncomfotable. It feels like im pregnant with a baby pressing the ribcage.I cannot lay on my left side at all.

I havent had a biopsy. Just three CT Scans.
I do feel full but it is all the time. So I wouldnt eat at all if that was my case .

Im really thinking about a second opinion. The doctor told me the only option would be to remove the spleen but he doesnt want to do that unless they grow.

Thanks again,

Laura

[HeinrikMD]

How were you diagnosed with the hemangioma? Was it an incidental finding? Did you present with an enlarging mass or was there a discomfort on the abdomen? Did you undergo a biopsy?
The symptoms you would expect include a mass on the left side of the abdomen, under the ribs. Some patients report discomfort especially after a full mean – some would even limit their feeding because of the discomfort.
I’m assuming that the hemangioma is small and hence monitoring has been planned. These disorders are very rare and there are is no clear guide at how best to manage it. Keep your follow-up and open up your concerns with your doctor. Planning here is pretty individualized, so you’ll have to agree to subsequent steps that are acceptable to you.
Stay positive.