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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Could This be Liver Cancer?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Could This be Liver Cancer?
by DSutherland, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
On August 29th, 2005 I had an MRI that revealed ONE 2.3cm hemangioma and ONE 15mm hepatic cyst on my liver. It also revealed two less than 5mm renal cysts- one on each kidney.
Today (September 27, 2005) I had a second MRI that revealed TWO hemangiomas and TWO cysts. The kidney cysts were still there.
Should I be concerned? Two additional things have shown up in a matter of six weeks.
I have had a colonoscopy (negative), endoscopy (negative), and a laparoscopy to remove a 5.5cm hemmoragic functioning cyst and the ovary. The pathology was negative (benign).
But the entire liver findings (above) have been the result of the CT to originally find the ovarian cyst.
Today (September 27, 2005) I had a second MRI that revealed TWO hemangiomas and TWO cysts. The kidney cysts were still there.
Should I be concerned? Two additional things have shown up in a matter of six weeks.
I have had a colonoscopy (negative), endoscopy (negative), and a laparoscopy to remove a 5.5cm hemmoragic functioning cyst and the ovary. The pathology was negative (benign).
But the entire liver findings (above) have been the result of the CT to originally find the ovarian cyst.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
It is possible that the first MRI missed the cysts or hemangiomas. Although possible, it is less likely that new cysts or hemangiomas would have formed in the span of a month.
You can consider a blood test for an alpha-fetoprotein if liver cancer is a concern.
However, I would discuss the results of these MRIs with your personal physician. It will be likely a repeat imaging study will be needed in the near future to ensure that the lesions are not spreading nor growing.
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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
You can consider a blood test for an alpha-fetoprotein if liver cancer is a concern.
However, I would discuss the results of these MRIs with your personal physician. It will be likely a repeat imaging study will be needed in the near future to ensure that the lesions are not spreading nor growing.
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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments (2)
by DSutherland, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
I have had two alpha feta tests and both were negative. However, I realize that those results are not always reflective of what is actually going on. So it is unlikely a new hemangioma would occur in the span of six weeks. Correct?
by Wally1470, Sep 28, 2005 12:00AM
To: DSutherland
I know for a fact that hemangiomas can originate in the liver from birth. Did you have a hemangioma after birth because if you did, there is a chance that they can also be internal.
