Am I running out of time?

I was diagnosed with hep C and cirrhosis a couple of years ago. A month ago I was given an ultrasound and a CAT scan. The report is as follows:

Impression
   1. findings compatible with cirrhosis of the liver.  Two nodules within the liver suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma. 2.  Cholelithiasis, no evidence of acute cholecystitis  3.  Splenomegaly

Report
   CT Abdomen/Pelvic with and without intravenous contrast,  Clinical statement:  Two hyperchoic nodules on recent abdominal sonogram Technique:  A   CT of the abdomen and pelvis was performed utilizing contiguous axial images prior to contrast administration. Additional delayed images were also obtained.  Comparison: Sonogram of the abdomen: Findings;  The liver is slightly enlarged and hypodense in relation to the spleen.  Two focal hapatic lesions are noted one in the dome of the liver and the other in the right lobe correspond  to the two nodules seen in the sonogram.

   I was given another biopsy with the aide of a cat scan to direct the needle.  The results were that I have cirrhosis and a inconclusive diagnosis of the liver tissue. They missed the nodule, they state, because there is mass(?) obstructing the view. They now say I must have another biopsy done in a couple of months. This all being done at the VA hospital in Orlando and things being are what they are I can't have it done any sooner.  My worry is that too much time is lapsing between my first diagnosis and a diagnosis that will support my qualifying for inclusion on the transplant waiting list. How fast does a cancer grow in size that would disqualify me consideration?  The nodules are now about 3cm each.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

the CT findings of HCC are often quite typical on CT scan.  An MRI with Eovist can also be done.  the size of the lesions would qualify for priority on a liver transplant list so I think getting referred to one of the VA transplant centers is important to do ASAP.  You do not lose anything by being referred.  Find out what your AFP level is.  its very easy to miss these lesions with biopsies, which we rarely have to resort to.  

[terigee]

In Maryland (Johns Hopkins) you only get extra MELD points for lesions that are 5cm or larger.  I don;t know how it is in other states.  But HCC does move you up the list.
Good Luck to you.