Inconclusive MRI with contrast on liver mass

Hello all, I'm hoping to find some clarity as I'm very scared! I had a CT scan a month ago which showed a mass on my liver. I was then sent for an MRI with contrast 3 weeks ago, and I just got the results yesterday; the consultant said they don't know what it is. It isn't a hemangioma (as I hoped it was and as they said it probably would be) so she said they're going to have a multidisciplinary meeting (with surgery, GI etc) and get back to me in around a week but maybe more. I have something called mastocytosis which can cause incurable mast cell liver cancer and leukaemia along with organ damage, so I'm freaking out that it is that. If it was cancer, would that have shown up on the MRI with contrast? Any shared experience / advice would be great. It's my daughter's birthday tomorrow, she is turning 2 and I am terrified at the thought of leaving her alone in the world - I know I might be working myself up over nothing, but could really do with some reassurance! Thank you x

  • Hello Kaja, thank you for posting, although I'm sorry you are going through a worrying time. 

    MRIs are quite accurate at picking up certain types of tumour that other scans may not have seen, or seen properly. The contrast improves accuracy or the picture even more, but it can still be difficult for the person reading the results to tell if the mass seen is cancer or non cancerous. This means there can be times where the pictures are still not enough to give the team the answers they want and a further plan is needed.

    There are other types of non cancerous conditions that can occur within the liver, like haemangioma as you have mentioned. I've placed a link to some of them here in case it is helpful.

    Now really it is a matter of waiting for the decision of the MDT which I realise is so very hard. Trying to keep yourself busy is the only way to distract your mind over the next coming days, and trying if you can to not google too much as it could increase your anxiety further. Other people on the forum may come forward with their own experiences but do remember their situations are individual to them.

    I'm sorry Kaja that I can not be more reassuring, I hope you hear from your doctors soon about their decision. Take care of yourself and if you want to talk anything through then do give us a call, the number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.