I've had high AST/ALT for a few years now (at least) and finally they decided to do an ultrasound after just (lazily) assuming it was fatty liver. My last reading was 100 AST and 81 ALT.
The ultrasound found gallstones, two small cysts, and a 1.5cm mass on the liver. It was quoted as the following "1.5 cm hyperechoic mass in the anterior right hepatic lobe. In the absence of a malignant history, this is most characteristic of a hemangioma with some peripheral vascularity on color Doppler. No specific follow-up required for low risk patients. If definitive confirmation is desired, MRI would be the study of choice."
My doctor is useless and doesn't explain any of this to me and just referred me to a Gastroenterologist who hasn't contacted me yet.
I am 40 year old male and never drink or smoke. I am clean for all the hepatitis diseases.
I'm kinda freaking out here. I have no idea what any of that means and I'm kinda wondering why the heck my liver is so messed up. Any advice on what to do would be appreciated.
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Bobs2222
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From your profile you seem to have been struggling for some time 👎. Such a shame that you have not been investigated more thoroughly in the past 😕.
Surely to goodness with that result you should get an a MRI straight away... my own experience is that a lot of doctors - GPs - don’t have a great deal of experience with patients that have liver disease - since it is so specialised a subject - and do indeed refer you off to a Hepatologist (that is what you need I reckon - I don’t think I ever saw anyone called a gastroenterologist?). I think that, as far as I can tell, for instance, that I am one of the first liver transplant patients my surgery has had in a long time (only based on their comments though of course!)
I have only had straightforward cirrhosis so can’t comment on your result but there are people on here who have had similar problems ( they sound similar) to those that you have. I do hope they come along to comment soon!
I have been given the same diagnosis by MRI. Don't worry. My insurance said no to another MRI (at six months), so I have been rescheduled for a CT scan instead. It's very confusing, we're all getting different scans. But l guess the main thing is to look for changes. A gastroenterologist is perfectly qualified to interpret these tests, they study the entire digestive system. A hepatologist is a liver specialist, who l am certain would be consulted if the need were to arise.
Hi Bobs
I like Miles have noticed you've had on going raised LFT's for over two years with no CT or MRI scan, therefore I agree with your last comment I would request a deeper scan to put your mind at rest.
I see your living in NZ and was wondering what sort of medical facilities you have? are you in a position to change doctors as it sounds like your definately not happy with the doctor you have plus I'm not sure whether your rural or close to a larger medical practice you can change doctors to anyway. I'm only asking because my daughter lived there for 3 years and mentioned some medical facilities were miles away. I'm also wondering if this is why you've been referred to a gastro specialist and not a hepatologiest because there isnt one close by.
I'm going to wish you good luck and hope your able to get the scan you require asap as your fairly young with a long life ahead of you to enjoy .
Sorry to hear this..... you do indeed need to enforce the fact you want to be referred to a gastroenterologist urgently.... the same happened to myself.... I had a u/s for gallstones but unfortunately ? Abscess ? Tumour was seen on my liver. I then had to have a ct scan which confirmed a tumour and then within 2 weeks I had an mri scan.... it was thought my tumour was benign and I am due another mri next week to see if there are any changes.
Unfortunately some doctors have no empathy on how these sorts of diagnosis have a major impact on your life because it’s not their life.
Go to your gp tell them you want an urgent referral to a gastroenterologist because you want this followed up, you want it confirmed exactly what tumour it presents what if any treatment is needed and what follows up you require to monitor this tumour.
Morning.... had my scan last Wednesday.... but I’m not see my consultant until 25th March 😫
Hope your ok.....
Hi Bob,
I can only comment on UK NHS systems but here there would be some further investiagtion to determine and clarify a diagnosis, such as a CT or MRI scan.
If it is a Haemangioma, They are the most common of all benign solid tumours, and are made up of newly formed but abnormal blood vessels.
Here is a link to more info and our publication 'Benign tumours and cystic disease of the liver'
Thank you all for the replies. I went to see the specialist today and this is what is going to happen.
- He has ordered a series of blood tests. I did those today, I guess i should get the results on Monday/Tuesday. One of them is a tumor marker test so that one is scary.
- He is arranging an MRI scan
- He suggests more aggressive followup on my continued elevated levels. Although he did warn me not to for a run a day or two before the test which I thought was weird. (he asked me about my exercise and I mentioned I run a few times a week)
- He did a pretty thorough physical feel of my liver and seemed happy.
- He didn't really mention my gallstones and I forgot to ask about it so I will bring that up next time.
He was kinda 50/50 on the mri scan so I pushed it. He seems to think the mass is benign but no way I'm leaving that to chance. Anyway, he seems a bit more aggressive in finding more answers so that is good. He did mention my age of 40 took some of the risk away.
I have also arranged another specialist on the 26th of Feb for a second opinion.
From an investigative point of view that sounds a bit more promising! Re scans:- CT scans have always worked for me for liver/stomach type things and MRI scans for my spine and boney stuff! but that is just my experience- I know nothing!
Hey I know nothing either, but my insurance here in the states did not want to pay for the MRI. My doctor ordered it to get the level of detail she wanted, especially as she was looking at blood flow through the liver. Which OPA website says MRI is superior for, so at least now l know why she insisted. 😄👋
When your gastroenterologist sees you he will do any scans or tests that he thinks are needed, you may even have a biopsy. He will then , through tests and scans give a proper diagnosis.
I sympathise that you don't drink or smoke and yet you have these problems, life is not always fair!
As Miles has stated GP's don't have great experience with dealing with these issues, I am my Surgeries first Liver transplant patient and so my care has been a new experience for the doctors and nurses there.
Once you are in the hands of your gastroenterologist then they will generally take over your care as far as your liver is concerned and they will write to your GP after each appointment informing the GP of the treatment you are receiving and advising the GP of any medications you need to take .
Hope that your gastro appointment comes through soon.
My blood tests, including one for a tumour marker for liver cancer came back clean so that is good. Of course those tumour marker tests are only half accurate so I'm still doing the MRI scan. That is on Tuesday. My question is how long do I need to wait before I get the result? Should I call them a couple of days later or will they call me? Or do they just wait for my next appointment which would be horrible??
Hi.... unfortunately you will wait approximately 2 weeks.... the images have to go to a radiologist to be reported on. You may be called to arrange an appointment to see you consultant if you haven’t already got an appointment.
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