Lesion in the liver, possibly cancer? Experiences?

Hi folks, this is my first post!

I am 28 years old and have been suffering from chronic diahorrea, sickness and 24/7 nausea for around 4 weeks. I have sharp pains in my liver and severe abdominal spasms throughout the day. I have had numerous bloods done that show my liver function is abnormal, then returning to normal, then abnormal again. Over the past 4 weeks I have lost 1 stone 4lbs which I put down to not being able to hold food down. I experience chronic pain after eating any food and within an hour or so I am sick and bring most if not all of it up. 
 

My GP referred me for an ultrasound for possible gallstones, but me being me I was determined not to be waiting the 12+ weeks NHS waiting time. I arranged this ultrasound privately which I had yesterday.

I don't have gallstones! I have a 4mm polyp in my gallbladder. However, I have a lesion on the left lobe of my liver, 11x14mm in size. The sonographer appeared concerned due to my age etc. He told me that I need a CT scan to confirm what this is, as it will either be cancerous or a fatty lesion. I have read online that fatty lesions are most common in overweight people, and rarely display symptoms. I am 5'11 and now weigh 9st11lbs. I eat a healthy and balanced diet.
 

My GP has viewed the report and was going to refer me to NHS waiting list again for further tests, but advised that I will wait in excess of 12 weeks. I have arranged this privately through my GP and having a consultation with a liver specialist on 15th June - or sooner if a cancellation comes up! 
 

I am very worried about this, I am wondering if anyone has any experience of lesions of the liver and what was your outcome? I am a mother of 1, and the thought of this being cancerous frightens the life out of me.

xxx

  • Hello Mel93

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some health problems recently and as a result of your ultrasound you're now waiting for an appointment with a liver specialist. It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling concerned about what this area of concern on your liver is. 

    We know that for many people this period of uncertainty and waiting for appointments and information can be difficult. Many people find their thoughts running to a worst-case scenario. 

    Hopefully, the specialist will be able to give you some answers and reassurance when they see you in a few weeks but in the meantime, if you'd like to chat things through with one of our team of nurses you're most welcome to give them a call. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support that they can ahead of your appointment. If you'd like to speak with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hello mel93,

    So sorry to hear of your situation. As a family we have experience of a similar issues that our daughter is going through at the moment. Last year she was in and out of hospital and gp with similar symptoms. They put it down to gallbladder issues or acid reflux. To cut a very long story short a big lesion was finally found in her left lobe (now 15cm X 10cm) along with about a dozen in her right lobe ranging in size upto 3cm. Because she is only 23 no one suspected cancer, but she was given a diagnosis in October (after a missed diagnosis in July) of fibrolamellar. BUT, it has also been suggested that they could be adenomas caused by prolonged contraceptive pill use (she has been on continuous prescription for about 7 years). She has had 3 biopsies that have all been inconclusive unfortunately. We have now switched surgeons and they are planning to take out the biggest tumour and we may finally know what it is. I don't want to scare you but I would definitely question adenomas first if you have used the pill for any length of time, before assuming it is anything more sinister. I hope you find some answers, good luck and best wishes x