FNH or Andenoma??

[CATNY]

Hello! They have found a 7 cm mass on my upper right lobe of the my liver. I have had liver scans & 2 MRIs & they think it is either FNH or Andenoma. I recently was referred to a Surgeon in Cornell(NYC) who recommending it be removed due to the size, the pain which I have (very minor) & that I am trying to become pregnant. I would appreciate feedback on this. Should I get another opinion? Should I have a biopsy first? It just seems a little drastic to me to remove it right away but I do respect the dr's opinion. Thanks!

[Nanda260]

A related discussion, FNH was started.

[ealga]

I am 34 and am also facing liver resection for an adenoma, also in NYC.  I've had a CT and MRI and they're pretty sure mine is an adenoma and not FNH. I did get 3 opinions -- all 3 say it has to come out - even though its small -  because I want to start a family also and pregnancy hormones can make an adenoma grow and possibly rupture. The docs also say adenomas turn malignant in about 10 percent of cases, so out it comes!  Because they're pretty sure it is adenoma, they didn't see any reason to do a biopsy.  I'm finalizing my surgery plans now, and I'm extremely anxious but I don't really think I have a choice, and I know I'm in good hands. I wish you both lots of luck and you both are in my thoughts.

[CATNY]

Its me again? What is right lobe run-off? How can they tell if you have this? Also, I haven't been real sucessful finding info on the WEB on this. Have you found some good websites?

[CATNY]

ALG

Thanks for the feedback! If you wouldn't mind could you send me your e-mail address. I would be interested in hearing more of what you have gone through. my e-mail address is ***@****
Did you get a second opinion? This is what I am struggling with today. I spoke to the Dr yesterday who reviewed my tests with some other doctors & told me that the results have not come back conslusive that it is FNH. He does not recommend the biopsy because of the size, location & risks. I am feeling so anxious about the whole thing - never had surgery before & this one sounds like a doozy of one to start with. Anyway - I wish you well with your condition!  Cathy

[ALG]

Dear Catny,
I'm in nearly the same situation and have therefore done a bit of research on the subject. It seems that adenomas should be removed as they can degenerate into malignancies and/or haemorhage spontaniously, whereas FNH in most cases can be safely left. Therefore it is important to distinguish the two types of tumors and a biopsy seems well indicated. In some cases a distinction between the two types cannot be made and in these cases most agree that if adenoma can't be ruled out, the tumor should come out. In some cases even validated FNH is removed but on this, opinions vary. Some remove symptomatic FNH, where others feel that once the patient is assured of the benign nature of the tumor, most can tolerate the symptoms. FNH causing bile obstruction is recomended removed.
My tumor turned out to be FNH but in my case it poses a threat to right lobe run-off and I think I'll let them remove it even though it at present is not causing bile obstruction. They say if it grows much more, isolated segmentectomy wont be enough so out it comes. I'm still conserned though, surgery is rarely enjoyable but in experienced hands post operative morbidity and mortality is very low.
yours sincerely good luck and wish me some in return, please!
ALG