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Ultra-Sound of Liver Tomorrow
Hi, Everyone.
This is a follow-up post to my Neurological Bowel Problem thread, because that thread has gotten very long. I got the call from my G.I.Docs nurse this morning, with the results of the MRI of my liver. Abnormalities of the liver; so I am scheduled for an Ultra-Sound tomorrow afternoon.
When the liver lesions were first discovered on my CT Scan last June, and again when the Tech did my Brain, Thoracic & Cervical Spine MRI's and noted enhancement in the left lobe of the liver, my G.I. Doc felt it was most likely a Hemangioma, and nothing to worry about unless it got larger, and he wanted to keep an eye on things with routine MRI's.
So, hopefully I am going to start getting something figured out.
And Elaine & Quix, if you are reading this, I did tell the nurse that I lost 10#s in less than 3 months, so, when they get the results of the Ultra-Sound, I will be seeing my G.I. Doc.
Sheila
This is a follow-up post to my Neurological Bowel Problem thread, because that thread has gotten very long. I got the call from my G.I.Docs nurse this morning, with the results of the MRI of my liver. Abnormalities of the liver; so I am scheduled for an Ultra-Sound tomorrow afternoon.
When the liver lesions were first discovered on my CT Scan last June, and again when the Tech did my Brain, Thoracic & Cervical Spine MRI's and noted enhancement in the left lobe of the liver, my G.I. Doc felt it was most likely a Hemangioma, and nothing to worry about unless it got larger, and he wanted to keep an eye on things with routine MRI's.
So, hopefully I am going to start getting something figured out.
And Elaine & Quix, if you are reading this, I did tell the nurse that I lost 10#s in less than 3 months, so, when they get the results of the Ultra-Sound, I will be seeing my G.I. Doc.
Sheila
hello i was just wondering are u in pain at all its just i now some one whos goin though the same kinda thing and cant get answers
I am new to this thread, but have been reading the comments and I learned more from everyone's comments then all of my doctorss' put together. I have also had every test for my GI problems and found out that I have Celiacs disease. I thought after that diagnosis and a gluten free diet I would start to feel better. However this is not the case. I was also told that I have a mass on my liver and not to worry about it so I try not to, but that is not what;s bothering me at the present moment. My problems are on my lower left side and into my abdomen. The pain is constant on that side and when I get stressed or have a bowel movement the pain is torture. There are not enough words in the english language, or any other language for that matter, to describe the pain. this may sound dramatic, but i know there are alot of people out there who know what I mean. I have had my organs checked fro top to bottom and they still cannot figure out what is causing my attacks. I was wondering if there is anyone who is having this pain and if so do they know why. I am also wondering if it could be a nerve in my lower back as I also have alot of lower back pain. Please help me!!!
Thank you in advance for any input
Martha
Thank you in advance for any input
Martha
Hi, Rita.
Well, believe me, you are doing something useful and I really appreciate it. :)
You've given me a very thorough explanation of the CT Scan Report.
So, it's possible I could expect a 2nd CT or a MRI with contrast?
I'm afraid I don't know what the 2nd MRI report said. All the nurse would disclose was that it showed abnormalities.
And the first MRI only said enhancement of the left lobe of the liver because the Tech only happened to pick it up when he was doing my Thoracic Spine MRI.
My G.I. Doc wasn't too concerned about the CT Scan, but he was concerned when my Neuro referred me back to him when the Tech picked up the enhancement on the MRI.
He really only wanted the 2nd MRI just to keep an eye on the suspected Hemangioma becuase he said they can become extremely painful if they get too large.
I will definitely give you the reports when I get them, most likely June 10th. I don't 'think' they'll call me before my appt., unless he wants another test.
You have a good one, too. :)
Sheila
Well, believe me, you are doing something useful and I really appreciate it. :)
You've given me a very thorough explanation of the CT Scan Report.
So, it's possible I could expect a 2nd CT or a MRI with contrast?
I'm afraid I don't know what the 2nd MRI report said. All the nurse would disclose was that it showed abnormalities.
And the first MRI only said enhancement of the left lobe of the liver because the Tech only happened to pick it up when he was doing my Thoracic Spine MRI.
My G.I. Doc wasn't too concerned about the CT Scan, but he was concerned when my Neuro referred me back to him when the Tech picked up the enhancement on the MRI.
He really only wanted the 2nd MRI just to keep an eye on the suspected Hemangioma becuase he said they can become extremely painful if they get too large.
I will definitely give you the reports when I get them, most likely June 10th. I don't 'think' they'll call me before my appt., unless he wants another test.
You have a good one, too. :)
Sheila
No thanks necessary...:) We all help each other in whatever way we can - I"ve been helped by everyone here so much, I'm just glad when I can do something useful, lol.
So the cyst in your liver is no big deal, and the ultrasound should easily be able to verify if it is one. We are very reliable at being able to distinguish cystic from solid masses. Depending how small and where the lesion is in the right lobe, the utlrasound may have been able to tell if it's just another cyst or another small hemangioma. Depends on where it sits and how gassy you are if we can see something that small or not... :) You can't tell with 100% certainty if a solid lesion is a hemangioma with ultrasound, but they tend to have a very characteristic appearance. If there's any question, they usually do a CT or MRI with contrast, because they have a typical fill pattern. The partial fill-in that the report describes sounds typical - but again, without seeing the films, you can't hold me to it... :)
Do you know what the 2nd MRI report said about the left lobe exactly? I'm curious what changed in the interim. "Enhancement" of the left lobe is pretty vague and general - there should be something specific that enhanced, you know? The size of the suspected hemangioma is pretty typical - they tend to stay at 2cm or less. (Of course, 2 of mine are bigger than that, lol.) The lesions on the kidneys would most likely be cysts that are just tiny - sometimes you can see them that small on ultrasound and sometimes you can't.
IT sounds like the tech was thorough, so that's good... :) Definitely let me know what the report says when you get it, OK? Then we can try to decipher further...Have a good one!
Rita
So the cyst in your liver is no big deal, and the ultrasound should easily be able to verify if it is one. We are very reliable at being able to distinguish cystic from solid masses. Depending how small and where the lesion is in the right lobe, the utlrasound may have been able to tell if it's just another cyst or another small hemangioma. Depends on where it sits and how gassy you are if we can see something that small or not... :) You can't tell with 100% certainty if a solid lesion is a hemangioma with ultrasound, but they tend to have a very characteristic appearance. If there's any question, they usually do a CT or MRI with contrast, because they have a typical fill pattern. The partial fill-in that the report describes sounds typical - but again, without seeing the films, you can't hold me to it... :)
Do you know what the 2nd MRI report said about the left lobe exactly? I'm curious what changed in the interim. "Enhancement" of the left lobe is pretty vague and general - there should be something specific that enhanced, you know? The size of the suspected hemangioma is pretty typical - they tend to stay at 2cm or less. (Of course, 2 of mine are bigger than that, lol.) The lesions on the kidneys would most likely be cysts that are just tiny - sometimes you can see them that small on ultrasound and sometimes you can't.
IT sounds like the tech was thorough, so that's good... :) Definitely let me know what the report says when you get it, OK? Then we can try to decipher further...Have a good one!
Rita
Hi, Rita.
Thank you, I'm glad you are not too put out with me. Everyone here has been so good to me, I'd hate to come off as snippy and unappreciative.
Yes, the MRI 7/07 showed enhancement of the left lobe of the liver. (prior CT Scan 6/07 showed in the left lobe of the liver, a hypodense lesion measuring 1 cm in size compatible with a simple cyst. Slightly more inferior and within the lateral segment of the left lobe of the liver, there is a peripherally enhancing lesion measuring 1.6 x 1.7 cm.
On the limited delayed images, the lesion appears to show partial 'fill-in'. additional lesion in the right lobe of the liver is too small to characterize. Unremarkable spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Low density lesions in the kidneys are too small to characterize. No renal calculas or hydronephrosis.)
So, last Sept. my G.I. Doc felt I had a simple Hemangioma and just wanted a 2nd routine MRI to keep an eye on it.
His nurse told me last week, the results would be normal, and I agreed, so I was surprised to get the call that the 2nd MRI showed abnormalities and he wanted the U/S.
The Tech did exactly as you said you would have done; showed the films to the Radiologist, who then compared them with the MRI and requested more. Yes, the Tech moved me in different positions and she seemed to be extra intent on her work.
It had been over 12 hours since I'd had anything to eat or drink. Yes, I still have my gallbladder and no surgery on it.
Actually, I guess in light of the recent rapid weight loss, and nausea, and loss of appetite, I shouldn't have been so surprised.
I have an appt. with my G.I. Doc on June 10th and I will request a copy of the report.
I wish you could get your hands on the films, too. I have a feeling you'd know exactly what is happening.
Thank you, Rita, you have no idea how much I appreciate your input.
Hugs,
Sheila
Thank you, I'm glad you are not too put out with me. Everyone here has been so good to me, I'd hate to come off as snippy and unappreciative.
Yes, the MRI 7/07 showed enhancement of the left lobe of the liver. (prior CT Scan 6/07 showed in the left lobe of the liver, a hypodense lesion measuring 1 cm in size compatible with a simple cyst. Slightly more inferior and within the lateral segment of the left lobe of the liver, there is a peripherally enhancing lesion measuring 1.6 x 1.7 cm.
On the limited delayed images, the lesion appears to show partial 'fill-in'. additional lesion in the right lobe of the liver is too small to characterize. Unremarkable spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Low density lesions in the kidneys are too small to characterize. No renal calculas or hydronephrosis.)
So, last Sept. my G.I. Doc felt I had a simple Hemangioma and just wanted a 2nd routine MRI to keep an eye on it.
His nurse told me last week, the results would be normal, and I agreed, so I was surprised to get the call that the 2nd MRI showed abnormalities and he wanted the U/S.
The Tech did exactly as you said you would have done; showed the films to the Radiologist, who then compared them with the MRI and requested more. Yes, the Tech moved me in different positions and she seemed to be extra intent on her work.
It had been over 12 hours since I'd had anything to eat or drink. Yes, I still have my gallbladder and no surgery on it.
Actually, I guess in light of the recent rapid weight loss, and nausea, and loss of appetite, I shouldn't have been so surprised.
I have an appt. with my G.I. Doc on June 10th and I will request a copy of the report.
I wish you could get your hands on the films, too. I have a feeling you'd know exactly what is happening.
Thank you, Rita, you have no idea how much I appreciate your input.
Hugs,
Sheila
You of course deserve an answer! I'm just happy if I can help anyone here in some useful way, after the way everyone has been so helpful to me....
OK.... as far as the ultrasound.... the question from the MRI was about the left lobe of your liver, right? ( I need to go back to the main thread.....) But if that was the original question, the left lobe of your liver sits centrally, so the tech would take extra images there if they are any good... :) Then if it was me, I would show them to the radiologist so he could compare my pics to the MRI and see if I'm seeing the same area and if he has any other images he wants for a complete comparison.
MRI's are set to scan at particular intervals, and particular slice thicknesses. You can usually set things pretty closely from time to time, to get a more direct comparison. Ultrasound is a free hand thing.... you have your basic body landmarks, but it can be tricky sometimes to compare to other modalities. It's not always as straightforward as you would think.... :) It is a very heavily tech dependant modality. So it's good the tech showed the films..and got the docs opinion while you were there. Sometimes they have a perspective we don't. Sometimes we have one they don't.... :)
As far as the gallbladder question.... how long had it been since you had anything to eat or drink? We usually keep people without food or drink for at least 8 hours. I'm assuming you still have your gallbladder and have never had any type of surgery on it? Sometimes gas can block it... but usually you can find a way around it. There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say, lol. Did the tech move you in different positions?
Sometimes if the gallbladder isn't functioning quiite right, it won't be distended as far as it should be and that can make it hard to see. With you having so many digestive issues, and eating so little... maybe your gallbladder is temporarily being contrary... :) When will you get the report? Let me know what it says, and we may be able to decipher it further.... wish I could get my hands on the films - then I could give you a much better answer.. :)
Let me know what the report shows or if you have any other questions - happy to help! Have a good one...
Rita
OK.... as far as the ultrasound.... the question from the MRI was about the left lobe of your liver, right? ( I need to go back to the main thread.....) But if that was the original question, the left lobe of your liver sits centrally, so the tech would take extra images there if they are any good... :) Then if it was me, I would show them to the radiologist so he could compare my pics to the MRI and see if I'm seeing the same area and if he has any other images he wants for a complete comparison.
MRI's are set to scan at particular intervals, and particular slice thicknesses. You can usually set things pretty closely from time to time, to get a more direct comparison. Ultrasound is a free hand thing.... you have your basic body landmarks, but it can be tricky sometimes to compare to other modalities. It's not always as straightforward as you would think.... :) It is a very heavily tech dependant modality. So it's good the tech showed the films..and got the docs opinion while you were there. Sometimes they have a perspective we don't. Sometimes we have one they don't.... :)
As far as the gallbladder question.... how long had it been since you had anything to eat or drink? We usually keep people without food or drink for at least 8 hours. I'm assuming you still have your gallbladder and have never had any type of surgery on it? Sometimes gas can block it... but usually you can find a way around it. There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say, lol. Did the tech move you in different positions?
Sometimes if the gallbladder isn't functioning quiite right, it won't be distended as far as it should be and that can make it hard to see. With you having so many digestive issues, and eating so little... maybe your gallbladder is temporarily being contrary... :) When will you get the report? Let me know what it says, and we may be able to decipher it further.... wish I could get my hands on the films - then I could give you a much better answer.. :)
Let me know what the report shows or if you have any other questions - happy to help! Have a good one...
Rita
Hi, Rita.
Oh, goodness, I believe it is ME that owes YOU, an apology! I re-read my post to you, and I sound snippy. I am soooooo sorry. Not what I meant, at all. Please forgive me.
My brain function is not doing so well. (Actually, if you see my brain, would you kindly send it back to me? I really need it right now.)
I truly do appreciate your reply, and I realize, in retrospect it sure didn't look that way.
Oh, I am not up to speed on the forum etiher...it moves so fast, and I move so slow.
As for reading before you post, ask FloridaMom (Kristin) about my message to her about her Uncles baby toe. Guaranteed to show you how bad my cog fog is right now.
Well, I had the Ultra-Sound this morning. They had a cancellation and I was glad to accept it.
The Tech spent a lot of time on my right side, and center, and showed the films to the Radiologist, and had to take more in the center.
So, I have a question for you, (not that I deserve an answer from you) but, the Tech asked me if I still had my gallbladder as she was filming. I mentioned that to my husband and he wondered if something was blocking the view of it. Is that a possibility?
Hugs,
Sheila
Oh, goodness, I believe it is ME that owes YOU, an apology! I re-read my post to you, and I sound snippy. I am soooooo sorry. Not what I meant, at all. Please forgive me.
My brain function is not doing so well. (Actually, if you see my brain, would you kindly send it back to me? I really need it right now.)
I truly do appreciate your reply, and I realize, in retrospect it sure didn't look that way.
Oh, I am not up to speed on the forum etiher...it moves so fast, and I move so slow.
As for reading before you post, ask FloridaMom (Kristin) about my message to her about her Uncles baby toe. Guaranteed to show you how bad my cog fog is right now.
Well, I had the Ultra-Sound this morning. They had a cancellation and I was glad to accept it.
The Tech spent a lot of time on my right side, and center, and showed the films to the Radiologist, and had to take more in the center.
So, I have a question for you, (not that I deserve an answer from you) but, the Tech asked me if I still had my gallbladder as she was filming. I mentioned that to my husband and he wondered if something was blocking the view of it. Is that a possibility?
Hugs,
Sheila
Sorry I misunderstood... :) I have not been on the forum much lately - so I apologize that I am not really up on what is going on with everyone. There has been alot going on here (not much of it any good) so my time on the forum has been very spotty. I should pay more attention before I post, huh? :)
I hope whatever they saw on your liver will turn out to be nothing.... I will try to read your thread today.... :)
Rita
I hope whatever they saw on your liver will turn out to be nothing.... I will try to read your thread today.... :)
Rita
Hi, Rita.
We are not looking at the Hemangianoma's with this Ultra-Sound. We've known about those for a year now; apparently the routine MRI to screen the Hemangianoma's picked up another problem.
I've had many ultra-sounds, CT Scans, MRI's surgeries, you name it, I've had it. LOL This old body has had it all.
If you are interested; read my thread Neurological Bowel Problem. I've been sick for 2 & 1/2 years, lost 10#s in the past 3 months, down to 78#s, and so on. No bowel function.
The nurse did not disclose what they found. Not my usual nurse. :( That's ok, I'll know soon enough. :)
Thanks.
Sheila
We are not looking at the Hemangianoma's with this Ultra-Sound. We've known about those for a year now; apparently the routine MRI to screen the Hemangianoma's picked up another problem.
I've had many ultra-sounds, CT Scans, MRI's surgeries, you name it, I've had it. LOL This old body has had it all.
If you are interested; read my thread Neurological Bowel Problem. I've been sick for 2 & 1/2 years, lost 10#s in the past 3 months, down to 78#s, and so on. No bowel function.
The nurse did not disclose what they found. Not my usual nurse. :( That's ok, I'll know soon enough. :)
Thanks.
Sheila
Just wanted to say that I have 6 hemangiomas in my liver... they don't even watch them that closely now. They truly are nothing to worry about unless they get large, and that is uncommon.
Have you ever had an Ultrasound? I'm an ultrasound tech, so feel free to contact me if you have any questions... :)
Have a good one,
Rita
Have you ever had an Ultrasound? I'm an ultrasound tech, so feel free to contact me if you have any questions... :)
Have a good one,
Rita
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