CT scan shows liver mass....

[Ang80]

Can someone help me.
Mum age 57 OVCA stage 3 March 2005, all normal until CT scan this monday, which shows small attenuated mass in the left. lobe of the liver.
Does this means its cancer?
I am so worried, got an MRI next week.
All blood tests are normal.

Thanks

[rootietootie]

Jeez, I posted a reply that was pretty long and it didn't post when I hit post comment.  What I wanted to say was that fatty liver is actually a disease called fatty liver disease.  It can be caused by alcohol, but usually it isn't.  When it isn't it is called non alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD for short.  It is thought to be caused by insulin resistance.  It is common in people who have excess weight, or who dont exercise regularily, or who dont eat too well, also heredity can lead some there.  In a nut shell, we all know when sugar is eaten insulin is realeased, but when cells are intolerant to insulin, there is too much insulin and too much glucose floating around in the blood.  It ends up being stored as fat in cells and also ends up in the liver as fat, henceforth fatty liver.  It can be reversed by eating right, losing weight and exercising.  This condition leads to diabetes and many with it allready have diabetes or are pre diabetic.     Becky mentioned something about chemo causing it too, I am sure many other things can cause it also.  Kimchi, yes the fatty deposits can get bigger smaller etc.  The test I had that found my fatty liver was a CT, they were not looking for liver problems but found it.  I think that is actually how it is usually found by accident.  I think sometimes they can tell it is fatty liver other times they arn't sure, depending on how it looks.  They dont like to do liver biopsies because of potential bleeding problems and various other issues, though that is the only thing that will tell for sure.  It really could be any of this I guess it is hard for them to tell, but try not to worry too much. Hope this helps.  Hugsss.. Shannon

[Ang80]

Mums MRI is next week.
She feels ok, her CA125 is 31 so normal still.
All blood tests are normal.
The CT scan was clear for her chest, lungs, for fluid and pelvis.
Her last CT scan in August 2005 after surgery and chemo was normal and clear.

Thanks

[Tybear]

I have a had a strange mass on my liver for a couple months now. It was first suspected to be mets, based on a CT scan. I had an ultra-sound done, and the tech couldn't see anything - it wasn't there! Then, just last week, I had an MRI done, and my liver does have a small defined area that is still suspicious for disease, although they are leaning much more towards fatty infiltration or some type of inflamation. It's very possible that it could be something other than disease, especially if your Mom has had previous chemo, as fatty infiltration can be a common side effect from the toxicity of chemo.
Good luck,
Becky

[Kimchi]

I too have a mass on my liver and because dr cannot tell what it is, she is keeping me on chemo. Can fatty mass change in size? Can you share the names of the tests/machines used to determine that the mass was not cancer???
Has anyone had radiofrequency ablation ? How long does it take to recover? Can it be done on an out-patient basis?

[rootietootie]

I agree with everyone else, I too like Diane have a fatty mass on my liver, and it is actully VERY common to have them, dont jump to conclusions yet.  Good luck. hugs Shannon

[Hazel30]

I have to agree with dian07, this could be nothing.  How soon is the  MRI?  I wish you all the best.

[dian07]

Hi there ....I had a liver scare after my chemo was finished....scared the hell out of everyone including my oncologist.....it was in a place that was inoperable due to the probability of hemorrage...anyway, it turned out to be nothing but a fatty mass of some sort....they ran different scans and got a varied group of radiologists and finally it was over....your mom's could be the same or something called a hemangioma.....try not to worry until you have something to worry about!  Easier said than done, I know.....but with the blood work being good I can't believe this is a metastisis.  My best to you and your mom.
Peace.
dian

[medresc]

Not always, it can be other things.  Radiologists can make a determination but typically they use another scan a few weeks or few months later to see any 'change' in the size.  It's possible they can do a biospy but that is typically a little dangerous (in general) with the liver so it's rarely done.

Should it be cancer, radiofrequency ablation has been shown to be effective for metastasis to the liver