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What Causes Hepatic Lesions?
Question: I had an ultrasound bloodwork and xray done due to abdominal discomfort. Labs were cbc, metabolic panel and lipase and all were normal. Ultrasound incidental findings showed 2 liver lesions which were likely hemangioma. CT performed last week on abdomen and results said the two small lesions appear benign but dont fit the pattern of any known benign lesions. Doctor suggested MRI in 3 months to confirm stability and possibly additional labs. I am scared. What does appear benign but doesnt fit the pattern of known benign entities mean? I am concerned i have cancer.
Brief Answer:
Liver lesions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking.
I agree with your doctor for the MRI, it is a very useful test in this case. You should not be scared.
The lesions seams to be benign, but the doctors need further tests to be sure for the origin of this lesions.
Malignant tumors are spread by metastasis and invasion while benign tumors cannot be spread by either metastasis or invasion. Benign tumors, on the other hand, grow locally at the site of the original tumor.
Although distinguished benign nature we need to know the origin of lesion. Some of liver lesions are
1- Hemangioma
2-Focal nodular hyperplasia
3-Adenoma
4-Focal fatty change
5-Nodular regenerative hyperplasia
Hope this ansewr your question, please if you have additional question do not hesitate in writing to me.
Kandly Dr Esmeralda
Liver lesions
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking.
I agree with your doctor for the MRI, it is a very useful test in this case. You should not be scared.
The lesions seams to be benign, but the doctors need further tests to be sure for the origin of this lesions.
Malignant tumors are spread by metastasis and invasion while benign tumors cannot be spread by either metastasis or invasion. Benign tumors, on the other hand, grow locally at the site of the original tumor.
Although distinguished benign nature we need to know the origin of lesion. Some of liver lesions are
1- Hemangioma
2-Focal nodular hyperplasia
3-Adenoma
4-Focal fatty change
5-Nodular regenerative hyperplasia
Hope this ansewr your question, please if you have additional question do not hesitate in writing to me.
Kandly Dr Esmeralda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks. Specifically what would be the chareceristics that would make it seem benign but not in a recognizable pattern?
Brief Answer:
HEPATIC LESION
Detailed Answer:
I haven't seen your MRI images, but in my experience, the small lesions (infracentimetric) are difficult to be distinguished by the radiologist if they are benign or not.
In these cases they call them ''too little to characterize'' and the follow up is recommended.
The dimensions and the pattern of the vascularization after 3-6 months, will give a more accurate diagnosis.
Hope the information is helpful.
Kind regards,
Dr.Esmeralda
HEPATIC LESION
Detailed Answer:
I haven't seen your MRI images, but in my experience, the small lesions (infracentimetric) are difficult to be distinguished by the radiologist if they are benign or not.
In these cases they call them ''too little to characterize'' and the follow up is recommended.
The dimensions and the pattern of the vascularization after 3-6 months, will give a more accurate diagnosis.
Hope the information is helpful.
Kind regards,
Dr.Esmeralda
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
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