Liver Mass

[Chuck2892]

Previous blood tests showed high counts in regards to liver problems. Ultra sound showed scarring tissue which probably occurred in my younger days when i drank socially to much. I have a huge wine collection but limit my intake to a glass once a week for past fifteen-20years. I do cardio and heavy weights 5 times week and feel very healthy. Dr wanted to put me on medication for liver; however i opted to take milk thistle which he didn't beleive in. Afer a year, my blood tests came back showing "almost normal" in reference to the liver. He has been trying to do a liver byopsis for a year now which i don't want to do. He recently took a blodd tests which I don't remember the name to determine cancer. This test came back normal. He then did a Ultra Sound which showed scarring and small masses by tubes A and B. He then did a CT which found scarring bu no masses. he now wants to do a MRI as he feels the CT was inconclusive. I beleive there is a point that we need to be our own advocate and not allow a lot of probing and testing if there are no symptoms. With no indication that there is any cancer, is there any reason to subject myself to an MRI?

[Chuck2892]

Thank You. The CT Scan showed scarring which we already knew as well as small masses by Lobe 1 and 2. NOt quite sure what that means; however, Dr has ordered a MRI as the CT was not clear enought o determine. Someone in this group emailed me and stated to be sure who ever does the MRI are experts with liver cancer. I emailed my doctor and his response was he cannot pick who does the MRI and has no way of knowing if they "are experts in detecting liver tumors"? I felt he was upset that i was even asking.  I see you are a Doctor, does it matter who does the MRI?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? It is good to know that initial tests done were normal. MRI is usually done as an adjunct to other imaging studies such as CT scan if further evaluation is needed. The final decision is always made by the patient and the doctor's role is to help in determining the diagnosis and guide the patient.  If a definite diagnosis is not reached, further tests may be done. Another option is to show the results of the CT scan to another doctor and get another  opinion. Take care and best regards.