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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Probable Liver Hemangioma
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.
Probable Liver Hemangioma
by twolanes, Oct 30, 2008 11:25AM
Hi,
I had a CT scan 2 weeks ago to check my aorta due to family history of aortic dissection. The CT was done with IV contrast. Luckily my aorta is fine, but the CT report says " There is a 1.3 cm lesion within the lateral segment of the left lobe of the liver. This demonstrates peripheral nodular enhancement and likely represents a hemangioma. However, delayed imaging was not performed to confirm this.... Note is made that imaging was performed during the arterial phase which is mildly suboptimal for evaluation of the itnra-abdominal organs."
I am a 32 year old woman who delivered twins 1 year ago, after some fertility treatments. I was also on hormonal birth control for approximately 8 years prior to trying to conceive.
My PCP wants me to have another CT scan to ensure that the spot on my liver is in fact a hemangioma and not cancerous. My question is this: is an MRI or an ultrasound as accurate as a CT scan in determining if the spot on my liver is a hemangioma and not cancerous? Other than cost, is there a reason I should have a CT scan instead of an MRI? I would rather not have the radiation exposure of a CT scan if an MRI will produce adequate data. Furthermore, should I see a specialist instead of my PCP about this?
Thank you!
I had a CT scan 2 weeks ago to check my aorta due to family history of aortic dissection. The CT was done with IV contrast. Luckily my aorta is fine, but the CT report says " There is a 1.3 cm lesion within the lateral segment of the left lobe of the liver. This demonstrates peripheral nodular enhancement and likely represents a hemangioma. However, delayed imaging was not performed to confirm this.... Note is made that imaging was performed during the arterial phase which is mildly suboptimal for evaluation of the itnra-abdominal organs."
I am a 32 year old woman who delivered twins 1 year ago, after some fertility treatments. I was also on hormonal birth control for approximately 8 years prior to trying to conceive.
My PCP wants me to have another CT scan to ensure that the spot on my liver is in fact a hemangioma and not cancerous. My question is this: is an MRI or an ultrasound as accurate as a CT scan in determining if the spot on my liver is a hemangioma and not cancerous? Other than cost, is there a reason I should have a CT scan instead of an MRI? I would rather not have the radiation exposure of a CT scan if an MRI will produce adequate data. Furthermore, should I see a specialist instead of my PCP about this?
Thank you!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 30, 2008 11:31AM
, Oct 30, 2008 11:31AM
The MRI would be the more accurate test, and I would consider this to evaluate the possible hemangioma.
Most cases, it can be observed, but most physicians would consider an MRI at this point. That being said, I have not seen the CT study - if the lesion is large enough, it is possible that simply repeating the CT may be enough.
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.
www.kevinmd.com
Most cases, it can be observed, but most physicians would consider an MRI at this point. That being said, I have not seen the CT study - if the lesion is large enough, it is possible that simply repeating the CT may be enough.
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.
www.kevinmd.com
Thank you!
Do you have any advice for how to convince my PCP to order an MRI instead of a CT?
Unfortunately, I think she is ordering the least expensive test to keep the insurance company happy.