Hi kt8888

Yes, I had a large 'mass' discovered on my liver last May when I had an ultrasound, following raised ALP level on blood tests.  I was fast-tracked for CT scan & MRI scan, however they still could not tell for certain whether it was benign or cancer.  Mine was 10cm x 6cm when it was found & close to the main artery into my liver, so they decided to not bother doing a biopsy, they just scheduled me for a wedge liver resection to remove it.  All through the tests & prior to the operation, I was told that it could be cancer or it could be benign, the doctors really had no idea.

It was very hard to get through the weeks of uncertainty, lots of tests & the prospect of a major operation. But I kept positive, got lots of exercise & ate healthily. The exercise really helped with trying to keep calm.

I had my operation last August & I had to wait nearly 9 weeks to get the pathology report of the tumour, but it came back clear, I had a benign Adenoma (which can look alot like a malignant tumour on scans).

I hope that you get the next lot if tests done quickly & hopefully, those will tell the doctors exactly what is going on.

All the best, Annie.

Hi Annie, 

Thank you for your reply. I can’t begin to imagine how you felt going all that time with no certainty! I think I would find that the scariest part, the unknown. I’m so glad you finally got answers and the results were clear. 
Reading your story helps because I hate to google and it’s so hard to get anything out of GPs etc (all he said was he was sorry when he phoned to say he was referring me - but I guess that’s all he can say) 

I think it’s just scary to see malignant & cancer on a report - I sometimes wish I never downloaded the NHS app. I definitely shouldn’t have read it in hindsight.

Thank you again for sharing your experience. It’s really appreciated. 

The fact that the GP has put it through as a possible cancer referral, just means that they can get you looked at under the 2 week referral system, as opposed to you having to wait for weeks / months for follow up if they didn't put the words 'cancer'. 

You will hopefully soon get an appointment to see a liver consultant & probably have a ct scan.  Don't worry if you then have to wait for the results to be discussed at a MDT meeting, that is usual, and all cases get discussed there, not just cancer cases.

Try to stay away from google & yes, stay away from your NHS app too. You read things on there, but unless we have a medical background, we don't understand it, we just panic.

Try to stay calm, the good news is that whatever your lesion is, you and the doctors are now aware of it.  It is also still pretty small, so should be easily dealt with if needed. Liver lesions are really common findings on ultrasounds, the doctors are just doing their jobs by ensuring that they are investigated properly.

Any concerns or queries, feel free to ask.

That’s really helpful information. It’s so good to know what to potentially expect. 
Thank you so much. You honestly don’t know how much calmer you’ve made my mind, just by helping me focus etc. 

I debated posting as I felt a bit silly but I’m so glad I did now. Thank you ️ 

Hey, don't feel silly, this is a really worrying time for you.  There are lots of people that come on here worried & looking for answers.  Unfortunately, you just have to wait for all of the tests & fingers crossed it will turn out ok!

Any worries, I am usually around.