Liver Biopsy black spots on scans

[Bekbooo]

Hey All. Sorry if this has already been spoken about. We are just very worried. My partners Mum was admitted to hospital for gallstones and whilst there they performed ultrasound which showed dark spots on the liver. They then performed both a ct scan and mri with dye and are still non the wiser so she was discharged as an outpatient and told to wait for her liver biopsy appointment. She is 68, doesn't drink, did smoke years ago and before recently very fit and healthy. We are obviously thinking the worst but wondered if anyone could give us some information on what to expect with the biopsy. Are they checking for cancer or could it be a host of liver diseases? We haven't been told anything.

[Richard-Allen]

I think it would be unfair for anyone on here to speculate as to what these results can be.

These images should be seen by a hepatologist, and if need be consulted with another liver specialist at one of the regional specialist liver centres around the country. A second advisory consultation is sometimes advised where possible tumours or cysts are found.

Now, straight away, soon as we hear the word tumour we freak out and think of cancer. Many tumours on the liver can be benign, so it would be wrong to speculate at this time. They would also be wanting to rule out a condition known as polycystic liver disease, and this may be the reason why they want to carry out a liver biopsy.

All this should have been explained at the time. You certainly need to know what is going on as this will only lead to unnecessary upset and worry.

Sadly, because of the Covid pandemic, many hospitals are really struggling. Because of this high demand being put on consultants at this time, they may be deferring explaining anything until they have all the results to hand and can make or confirm a more certain diagnosis.

Sorry, I’m unable to offer you any more encouraging news.

If you need support, I recommend calling the British Liver Trust’s helpline for a chat 0800 652 7330.

Good Luck

Richard

[Hidden]

As Richard has quite rightly said on this thread, unfortunately, no one can know what the scan report shows. We would suggest your mother in law could speak to her doctor and ask for interpretation of the imaging reports to get some more accurate information.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Bekbooo]

Thank you both! You do automatically sway towards the big c sadly especially with little to no explanation given. Completely understand that due to the pandemic resources are severely backlogged and scarce so I guess it is simply a waiting game. As she was admitted to hospital and all scans were conducted in hospital her primary care are not able to give any advice at this time. She was discharged just simply with the advice to await her biopsy appointment. I do worry as due to relatives not being allowed in hospital that information may be given and she has simply not understood due to fear. Typically you need someone else there who can ask the right questions I guess. Thank you both. Will keep you updated.

[Hidden in reply to Bekbooo]

It must be incredibly hard not to have been given more info. Maybe her GP will be able to access her hospital discharge summary?

[Bekbooo in reply to Hidden]

Yes I have asked her to request this but thus far they don't seem to be able to assist. Will keep trying. Thank you.