UGH! Suspicious lesion seen on liver!

wildrumara

So, I searched the forum and did find a few related topics, but wanted to reach out on my own too and see if anyone has any insight.   I was having some issues with my bladder and frequent UTIs.  Because of concern of a possible kidney stone, my urologist ordered a CT scan, whereupon everything looked ok, as far as my urinary tract goes.  Upon further questioning, I asked her about my liver and other organs.  She nonchalantly said, "oh, a lesion was seen in your liver....you should probably call her MO".   So, today I did that, and she returned the phone call, saying that the lesion is suspicious for metastasis and that I needed a biopsy.  She told me it is an isolated lesion, about 1.8 cm (I think) and it is superficial.  I asked her about the possibility of this lesion being a hemangioma.....she said that "it could be", but actually made me feel that this probably wasn't the case.   Obviously, I'm scared, trying not to get ahead of myself, hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.  Like I said, I read in a few threads from the past where these liver lesions ended up being something other than a metastatic lesion......wanted to see if I could find a little hope that this could be a benign finding.   By the way, on my last visit with my MO in January, besides being a little anemic, all my blood work was normal, including LFTs and tumor marker.   Thanks in advance!

wildrumara

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Lauriesh

There is always a chance that it could be something else.  Was this your first ct, or did you have earlier ones that didn't show this lesion?  If you had previously clear ct's, then that increases the possibility that this new lesion is cancer .

Most people who have liver mets have normal bloodwork.

Even if it turns out to be a liver met, there is still hope.  I have been Ned for over 3 years after being diagnosed with 2 liver mets in 2010.

When are you having your biopsy?  Hope it turns out to be benign.

Nan54

I have definitely read a few scenarios recently where these lesions turn out to be benign hemangiomas. Of course, I can't recall exactly where to link for you unfortunately. Will be thinking of you and hoping for good results!

pupmom

I have a benign hemangioma. It's nerve wracking as you wait for the next scan, or two, to verify everything has stayed the same. Best wishes!

wildrumara

@Yorkiemom - So from the beginning, did they feel it was a benign hemangioma, or was the lesion suspicious for a metastasis??   Just curious of your story. 

@Laureish - I was hoping to have the biopsy scheduled by today, but the scheduler down in interventional radiology apparently called off sick and my MOs nurse was not able to make an appointment for me!   

I'm doing the best I can to take each day as it comes.....this is just devastating waiting....I'm preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. 

Thanks so much for the responses!

wildrumara

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kathleen1966

I'm sorry you're having this scare Wildrumara.  There have been soo many women on here who have had the same scare and it turned out to be nothing.  Don't lose hope!

wallycat

My neighbor just came over yesterday and was telling me about an alarming liver scan, biopsy...turned out to be nothing.

My twin sister had suspicious lung lesions on CT scan for something else (former smoker)...3 years monitoring...it is nothing and now over 10 years on the watch and wait.

Many of my doctors are reluctant to do imaging or testing for this reason...once they find something, they have to investigate and many, many times, it turns out to be nothing.

Let us know what happens and we are thinking about you!

dlb823

I'm also so sorry you're going through this, Wildrumara.  I had a similar thing happen recently -- docs assumed something on my liver was mets --  but luckily I knew I had a pre-existing hemangioma, and luckily I remembered having a PetScan prior to starting chemo, which clearly showed it was there in 2008, without change.   So, first question -- Have you had a scan for any reason in the past few years that might show it's been there?

Otherwise, is there any chance -- barring other concern such as elevated tumor markers or liver enzymes -- your onc would wait and rescan you in 6 to 8 weeks, to see if there's been any change before going to biopsy?  I'm not a doc, but that wait to look for a change is something another BCO friend is doing right now, so I thought I'd pass it along as possibly something to ask about.    (((Hugs)))  & prayers this is just a scare and something benign.     Deanna

wildrumara

Hi everyone - I  had a biopsy last Friday and received the results yesterday and it is, in fact, mets to the liver.  Receptors have stayed the same, ER/PR+, Her2 negative.   Waiting for approval for a PET/CT to check the rest of my body out......(unfortunately, my insurance company is being difficult).  Praying there is nothing else going on!    I have been asymptomatic.....tumor markers good, liver function tests all good and have been for two years.  Anyway,   If there is nothing else seen anywhere else in the body, my MO and an RO discussed doing stereotactic radiosurgery, since it is just one lesion, about 1.8 cm.   I am fine, I am at peace now.  The waiting is definitely the hardest part.   Ive already made an appointment for a second opinion, but unfortunately, thats not until May 2nd.   We have a vacation scheduled for next week and I'm getting out of dodge!    

So very hard to believe that is back already.....since I have my "Ph.D" in breast cancer, I know thats not a good sign......((sigh))

I haven't been on these boards for so long......as much as I hate to be back on, I feel grateful that there is so much information and so much support here. 

Thanks again for your responses!

Lauriesh

Sorry that it turned out to be mets. It is good that you are getting a second opinion. I would ask about ablation. I had it done, very easy procedure. I don't know how it compares to stareotactic radio surgery, but as I said earlier , I have been Ned for over 3 years after having the ablation.

Good luck

Laurie

wallycat

I'm so sorry to hear the results.

Enjoy the vacation as best you can.  I hope your remaining scans are all clean.

dlb823

So sorry, Wildrumara.  As others have said, there are good options for treating a single liver met, and I know between your two opinions, you will end up with a good tx plan.  Glad you can get away.   (((Hugs)))  Deanna

wildrumara

Thank you ladies.....I did mention something to my MO about ablation when she called me with the news, and to be honest, I forget what she said, (of course).  I feel like she said something like "that is what they used to do and with good results,and there was some reason the stereotactic radiosurgery was better, etc...??   but then I can't remember the rest.....will definitely ask her again tomorrow when I see her.   Having PET scan at 7:30 and then appointment with MO directly after.  Although the formal report read by a radiologist will not be available at that appointment, the nurse said my MO will probably be able to "eyeball" herself  and see if there is anything else going on!   Thanks again and have a great day everyone!