HEMANGIOMAS OR LIVER CANCER

[freddie_man]

please help
44 yr old male, non smoker, dont drink, healthy weight,fit.
for 20 yrs ive had a sensitive bladder., doc checked it out.
So i had an ultrasound scan of my abdomen 12 mths ago.   The bladder ok but noted a likely hemangioma on liver  2 cm i think. It was echo bright.   Anyway he suggested coming back in 6 mths to have it checked.
at next scan no change to the hemangioma but they saw a gallbladder polyp this time aswell.
the consultant suggested one final ultrasound scan in 6mths.
i had the final ultrasound scan 2 week ago.  The scan showed no change in the hemangioma or  polyp but this time stated that there were 2  'echo bright rounded' spots of 5mm and 10 mm that were 'not clearly seen on previous scan'  They suggest mri follow up.
i am concerned. I have been checking on the web about 'echo bright rounded'  lesions of this size and they suggest hemangiomas.  that would mean i would have 3.
As i understand it echo bright lesions could also come from secondary cancer of the colon amongst other primary cancers.    i do understand though that the usual metastesis would be more hypoechoic for secondary.
Now im freaking out because 6 weeks ago i had bad gastro problem which hit me overnight. I had watery stools and loose stools of a light brown colour, also addomen spasms and urgency to empty my bladder. After 3 weeks of these symptoms i went to the doctor and gave a stool sample.  This showed i tested for campylobacter.  Doctor said it would clear up soon.  Im still having loose stools and abdomen noises still... after 6 weeks of sudden onset.. some days its better than others. No blood dark or bright as far as i can see.
Im having the mri test next week and all i can think of is i have secondary liver cancer from primary colon cancer...  i have not lost weight, not tired etc and have a normal sized liver etc...  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup thus far.

Indeed, hemangiomas or liver cancer are possible causes for the ultrasound findings.  I agree with the MRI to further evaluate the cause.  This test is more detailed than an ultrasound and should be able to rule out liver cancer.

Light stools may be due to biliary obstruction.  Obtaining an MRCP can be done to exclude any blockages.  

The gallbladder polyp needs to be observed as well.  Depending on its size, treatment may range from close observation to removal of the gallbladder.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[cb12]

A related discussion, Nodules on Liver was started.

[WenHen]

I was diagnosed with a liver hemangioma (3.6cm x 2.8cm x 2.8cm) and will have a follow-up ultrasound in one year.  As for the symptoms, I assume you just have to live with them.  I'm just grateful it's not liver cancer!

[chris1961]

A man in his 40s that I know was diagnosed with a liver hemangioma that grew in size from 3mm to 3.6mm in less than 2 months.  He has several tests that made the docs think it was malignant due to the density but 2 later biopsies showed otherwise.  First off this man has gone through months of testing and nothing has been done to help him in terms of treatment.  He has lost over 40lbs,  has nausea and vomiting and its difficult to eat and these symptoms are associated with liver ca.  Apparently, the tumor is wrapped around a major artery or vessle in the liver and no one he has seen will touch him.  He was told if he hit something to hard it could rupture and possibly kill him and was also told if they radiated it, that possibly would cause it to rupture as well.  What bothers me to no end, is that it has taken so long and this thing has grown so fast and nothing has been done.  I work at a hematology oncology center and this lack of treatment is appaling to me.  As far as I know he keeps going back to his PCP to see what to do next.  Ive read on the net that ususlly this condition is asypmtomatic but he isnt.  I was wondering because of the size of his (also pressing on heart now) that the pressure on the stomach could be causing these symptoms.  The weight loss, lack of energy and just feeling like **** have me wondering if he was misdiagnosed and it is a liver ca.
We are located in Syracuse NY with cities like Rochester,Buffalo and NYC nearby and he has seen no one at the cancer centers in these cities.  Any imput would be appreciated

[WenHen]

And to add, I am a 33 year old mother of one.

[WenHen]

Last Wed. I had loose stools, followed by sharp pains in my abdomen that were about 10-15 apart for over 24 hours.  The intensity and frequency decreased by Fri. but I went to the doctor anyway.  With my urine test she indicated that there was a small amount of bilirubin in my urine.  I was sent for an ultrasound to look at my gallbladder.  It was clear.  However, on the following Mon. the doctor called to say the radiologist saw something small on my liver.  He thinks it's nothing, but because of my pain wants me to have an MRI.  The doc said it was a common finding with abdominal ultrasounds.  I'm very worried here.  What questions should I be asking and what might they be thinking here?

[freddie_man]

Thanks for your thoughts....  i guesss im just looking for re assurance against liver cancer as i just would be completely shocked if it was.