liver nodule/lesion

[wq2]

I am 42 year old male and have child-A cirrhosis caused probably by obesity, but it might be alcoholic, since in the 3-4 yrs right before I was diagnosed, I was abusing alcohol.

Lost the weight, quit the alcohol, I do not smoke or use drugs.

A ctscan found an unspecified 1 cm X 1.1 cm hypervascular (in the arterial phase?) nodule in segment V of my liver not central, but peripherically located. (Sorry if anything sounds/seems odd but I am translating the radiologist's report)

Had an MRI which reported said nodule as a focal lesion.

The doctors said the nodule is too small and they cannot say if it is a tumour or not.

My alpha fetoprotein levels are normal.  The last tree readings are 2.12 ng/ml (12/09), 1.77 ng/ml (05/10), and 2.46 (7/10) lab reference value for the first two exams was 7 ng/ml  and for  the last one was 13.40 ng/ml


My testosterone is a bit high, ctscan and US showed normal adrenal glands   and testicles, doctor suspects it is due to collateral circulation going through my gonadal vein (?).

I am to have another MRI in 3 months.

The surgeon said  if a cancer is diagnosed I am a prime candidate for a transplant.
How worried should I be?

Thank you for your attention

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

it is difficult sometimes to differentiate regenerative nodules from small early HCC on imaging studies.  Even with well compensated and early cirrhosis patients are at risk for developing HCC.  We generally follow serial scans and if there is interval growth it is suggestive of HCC.  HCC may be present even with a normal AFP.  Liver transplantation may be indicated if HCC is diagnosed but there are many treatments such as RFA that can treat the HCC in the interim.

[wq2]

Thanks.

[wq2]

Ps Actually I am 41, sorry for the typo