Many liver scans, now a liver biopsy

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MnEM1108
MnEM1108 Member Posts: 13
edited May 2017 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

I'm not sure if I have questions or a rant, but I feel like getting it out! During routine blood tests my liver enzymes came back positive and my primary ordered an ultrasound of my liver. It came back showing a 2cm mass "indicating possible metastic disease." My primary talked to my BS and MO and they ordered a chest and abdomen CT. That came back showing a mass in the lungs that we'll follow up on in a few months with another scan and the spot in the liver. After that CT scan the radiologist ordered an MRI of my liver with contrast because the radiologist thought it was "leaning towards" a hemangioma but wasn't sure, so they were going to do the MRI to confirm.

So earlier this week I had the MRI. I got a call from my MO today saying "We're not sure, but the radiologist said it does not present like a hemangioma usually would." She said it was now time to get a liver biopsy and she wants me to take the next available appointment so we can get moving on this. She also needs me to come in ASAP for a full blood work-up.

So, part rant, but the rest nervous. How apprehensive should I be? I know that once you have cancer they tend to check everything out. But, I've had 3 tests and we're moving on to a biopsy. I know they won't know for sure until they get pathology, but are the odds leaning more towards mets at this point? This whole thing is such a roller coaster. I just need a crystal ball so I can make peace with whatever is coming at me and prepare for the fight! UGH!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2017

    MnEM1108,

    We're so sorry you're going through this. Of course, you're welcome to rant here anytime you'd like! We're hoping our post "bumps" your post into the Active Topics so that others can weigh in and support you. It's a little quiet around the Community this weekend, due to the long US holiday weekend, but rest assured, someone should be by soon!

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • Bluebirdgirl
    Bluebirdgirl Member Posts: 115
    edited May 2017

    MnEm, I have been through the same exact thing this past year. I had dcis. By accident they discovered a lesion (CT scan) on my liver and I was told that it was metastatic. I was devastated. So I get a second CT scan. Suspicious for metastatic disease. So my oncologist ordera third Ct scan with hemangioma protocol and it came back likely a benign hemangioma. But I get rescanned in 6 months to a year. I was told they won't biopsy it because if it's a hemangioma, it could hemorrhage. I know exactly how you feel. Maybe you could ask about the hemangioma protocol Ct scan. I don't know. I hope you get it resolved and it is benign. Keep us updated. {HUGS}

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  • cive
    cive Member Posts: 709
    edited May 2017

    MNen, it is highly unlikely that either the liver anomaly or the mass in your lungs is metastatic disease.  That said, there are many other things that can mess with your liver function tests and/or show up in your lungs that are b9.  Liver function test numbers are not positive or negative, just higher than normal numbers.  I'm surprised that they are doing a biopsy rather than just keeping a close watch.

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  • AnimalCrackers
    AnimalCrackers Member Posts: 701
    edited May 2017

    Hi MnEM1108,

    So sorry you are going through this.  It is hard enough to absorb and accept the bc diagnosis and the treatment plan in just a few weeks time.  I'm sure you are still reeling from it all.  And it does suck to have to worry about a possible metastasis so soon after your initial diagnoses.  I've been there.  My bone mets were discovered about a week after my initial diagnosis.  How many shocks must one endure?  However, I think your doctors are doing the right thing with the biopsy.  A 2 cm mass in your liver is worth nailing down as cancer or not, sooner rather than later.  Since it is large enough to biopsy you can get the answer now, before your surgery, and move forward accordingly.  If it is a confirmed metastasis it will affect your treatment plan.  It is critical that you get the proper diagnosis in order to get the appropriate treatment plan.  If it is benign - which we all hope that it is - then you can let out a sigh of relief and get on with your current plan.  It is all happening so fast and you will look back at this time of uncertainty as one big blur.  But you will be glad that you didn't leave any stones unturned.

    On a side note:  I am a little confused by your diagnosis as "DCIS/IDC, Left, Grade 2".  Does that mean you have both Ductal Carcinoma In Situ AND Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?  Do you have DCIS in one breast and IDC in the other.  Forgive my ignorance. 

    Good luck and keep us posted.

    Hugs

    Cathy

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  • Emily2008
    Emily2008 Member Posts: 605
    edited May 2017

    My experience with a liver abnormality was that something showed up on my CT, the radiologist said it could be a hemangioma but he couldn't rule out mets. So I had an abdominal MRI which showed it is a hemangioma. I think if the radiologist can't definitively say that it's NOT benign, then the smart thing is to get it biopsied. As a previous poster said, you could just watch and wait, but I think it makes sense to check it out thoroughly now. Another option would be to have your films read by another radiologist who may be able to more conclusively say it's benign. My MO said the radiologist who read my first liver CT tends to "jump the gun", so obviously there could be some of that going on in your case. What would it take for your to have the films read elsewhere? That would be easier than a liver biopsy. Just a thought...

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  • MnEM1108
    MnEM1108 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2017

    Thank you all for the posts! I'll be going for the biopsy tomorrow. The radiologist strongly felt it was not a hemangioma. And I have surgery scheduled in less than a week so my MO said, "No more scans. We're sticking a needle in it so we know for sure." Makes sense since I guess they would push back surgery if it's spread.I think I've come to terms with the uncertainty at this point and convinced myself it's benign so I can start getting ready for surgery. It theory they're putting in a Stat order for the biopsy so we'll know before Wednesday. If not, I plan on showing up and having this crud taken out of me if they don't have an answer in time. Otherwise they'd have to push back surgery another month to find an open spot! No thank you! Not unless they know for sure that I'll need chemo!

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