3.2-3.6 incidental finding of liver lesion during ultrasound

This is scary to post. I'm hoping it helps to get it out rather than cry myself to sleep and upon waking waiting for tests. 
 

During a kidney scan, due to not have a full bladder the sonographer incidentally found the above. They state "most likely a hepatoma". So according to this they believe it to be cancerous as they note it has developed blood vessels. Im shocked and feel so disheartened that they are sure it is a hepatoma. I am currently in the 2ww referral stage and the consultant is recommending a CT scan, poo sample and blood tests. I would of thought I would have had an MRI has anyone experienced this?   
 

I can't say that I have much symptoms but I've had unexplained hair loss and other what appear minor issues going on for two years. I also have nausea in the last few weeks. 
 

all this to say that I am so scared and nervous. Im 31 with two young children and the thought of cancer terrifies me. I'm struggling to hold it together during this wait constantly in tears.
 

anyone else have any advice about the testing phase, questions to asks. Expectations given the sonographers assertion of hepatoma??  

  • Hi I know its worrying. I have a 2cm liver mass, found on ultrasound after blood tests for pneumonia showed high liver function levels.

    I am surprised the ultrasound person said this to you, its unusual.  

    It seems common place they do a ct scan first.

    I had a ct, then endoscope then mri 2 weeks ago. Chased up the results last Thursday and it seems it is a indetermined mass, and to have a pet/mri in 3 months times. I have so many questions, this means they dont know what is it, they dont know if its malignant or not? I have requested an outpatient appt to discuss it, but this can take up to 2 months.

    I wouldnt worry to much at this stage. It's still early and could be something else.

    I'm under 2 week urgent referral too. I rang this department at the hospital to get up to date information.  You could ask your gp if they have any informstion or see if you can speak to the 2week referral department.

     

    What was your kidney being scanned for?

  • Hi flower

    im so sorry to hear this :( and that you do not have any answers. Hoping you get some soon.  
     

    I've had sight of the report which reiterated twice that it is likely a hepatoma. The consultant didn't really answer when I asked her why they would be so certain it was so. 
     

    I am now waiting for the hospital to ring to offer a ct scan appointment. I'm hoping it's sooner rather than later. For every positive thought I have I'm reminded of all the awful uncertainties. 

  • Did you see a consultant straight after your ultrasound, that was quick. were you originally in for a query on your kidney? 

    It prob wont take long to get the ct as your a 2 week referral. 

    Some liver cancers are identifiable I expect. Is it a primary liver cancer as far as you know?

  • I didn't. I had the scan on weds spoke to gp who made the referral on weds and then . Spoke with consultant on Friday. 
     

    yes was in for a follow up on my bladder but my bladder was empty and whilst checking my kidneys they incidentally found this mass. 
     

    My partner is convinced the ultrasound tech has assumed hepatoma just to be on the safe side but I think he's being hopeful. 
     

    the consultant and gp have both sounded hopeful based on my age and lack of symptoms. But this has the be the scariest cancer :( can't stop seeing how bleak a prognosis looks. 
    so petrified honestly 

  • So your kidneys/bladder are ok?

    I have considered all scenarios of my situation, you cant help doing it. 

     Even if it is malignant, like you said, there are treatments that can keep it under control for example.  The ct will hopefully give them more detailed info.

    Do let me know how the ct goes. I wanted to reply to you as I know what is going through my mind is probably going through yours too xx

     

  • Kidneys seem fine. They couldn't see bladder. 
     

    thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. It's a scary place to be and I can't speak to everyone in my life about it or I won't be able to function. 
     

    wishing you all the best. I will update xx

  • I have come back to update in case anyone else ever finds themselves in this situation. 
     

    I have now had an MRI with contrast and have been diagnosed with a Focal Nodular Hyperplasia. I have been told this is benign but I also have moderate steatosis. I will be scanned every 2 months and have been referred to the HBP unit for further investigations but they have confirmed the mass is not malignant. My pancreas and gallbladder all looks great. 
     

    To anyone that ever finds themselves in this situation please stay strong, positive and hopeful. I know this is scary but you will get through it. Be strong!! I will keep my account active here in case anyone ever wants to reach out based on my story. 
     

    sending love, hugs and positivity xx

  • Pleased to hear this, they think mine is a abscess caused by infection maybe caused by PBC, Primary Billiary Cholongitis, autoimmune disease,where my body thinks the bile ducts are foreign objects. On medication to stop this and mri in 3 months time.

  • 5cm liver lesion found on MRI. Urgent rescan with contrast ordered. Absolutely terrified. 

  • This gives me hope so glad your ok, I am currently going through this with my 9 year old son I haven’t eaten in a week I am so worried so back in September last year he had appendicitis where he had to have his appendix out they incidentally found a 3cm mass on my sons liver the dr assured me it was hemangioma and to have a follow up ultrasound in 4 months which he had one the 4th feb they have now said they don’t know what it is and it’s characteristics have changed and he has his urgent mri on Sunday this has made me so ill with worry. I am praying it’s not malignant. Xx