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Liver nodule


I had abdominal ultrasound in May 2008 result was two gallbaldder polyps - Largest 5.6mm.  The remaing viscera were unremarkable.

Follow-up ultrasound on Nov 26, 2008  and report read:

"Hypoechoic lesion in the left lobe, probably segment 4b. measuring 12x10x8mm.  The liver measures 17cm in size.

Threre are a few gallbladder polyps seen the largest 4mm in size.

The spleen measures 12.6cm.  

Opinion:  questionalbe hyperechoic area in left lobe of liver.  This is a solid nodule.  Being solitary it could represent a hemangioma but the apperance is atypical.  Follow up ultrasound in three months to confirm stability."

note that five days prior to Nov 26  (nov 19, 2008) I had another ultrasound of the abdomen and no concern was noted with the visulaised portions of liver, kidney and spleen.

Questions:

1.  What does liver size of 17cm mean - small/big/normal

2. what does spleen size of 12.6cm mean - small/big/normal

3 Are liver nodules common incidental findings?

4.  Is a three month wait and follow-up ultrasound normal procedure?

5.  If not what other diagnostics would be recommended?

6.  Why would this nodule not have been visaulied on Nov 19th ultrasound?

7.  What could this nodule most likely be??????

8. Are the gallbladder polyps of concern????  i.e what are they????

thanks
4 Responses
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Avatar universal
Thank you very much for your help.
Helpful - 0
517301 tn?1229797785
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
i would more rely on the MRi findings rather than the ultrasound.  I do not think anything is required right now.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thank you for your response.  I had an MRI which showed a 14mm area of facal fatty infilitration on the liver that DID NOT corrospond to the hypoechoic area seen on ultrasound.  The hypoechoic area seen on the liver ultrasound was not seen on MRI.  MRI was with and without contrast.  A tiny gallbladder polyp was seen on MRI.  MRI report stated that the hypoechoic area on ultrasound not seen on MRI may have been artifactual.  MRI report also stated that other abdominal organs were normal and other than the fatty area liver was normal.

1  is this a good outcome???

2.  is liver measured during MRI as per ultrasound it was enlgarged?

3.  other than following the gallbladder polyps - that have been stable for 7 months now - is anything else required?

4.  is a focal area of fatty infilitration a concern.  I have just been pregnant and have a 10 week old and a 2 year old.

thanks
Helpful - 0
517301 tn?1229797785
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
the liver and spleen abnormal in size.  Normal ranges vary depending on gender, body habitus, etc. 1% of the general population has such liver nodules that could be cysts or hemangiomas. U/S is extremely operator-dependent, meaning that the experience of the technician affects the sensitivity of the scan.  I think you should have an MRi of the liver to look at this 'lesion'.  gallbladder polyps should be followed expectantly as they rarely can become liver cancer.  If U/S show any increase in size then the gallbladder should come out--although these small in size.
Helpful - 0

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