Hypodensities < 1 cm, dome of liver

[timotur]

Hello, first time poster on this forum. I had a CT Cardiac Calcium Score test done and it came out fine, but it picked up several hypodensities <1 cm in the dome, probably cysts. I have had some discomfort along my rib cage in that area, only when I lay down on my stomach, that I attributed to soreness in my intercostal muscles or cartilage. I don't have any apparent swelling, and my liver enzymes are all good. I tested for CEA and AFB and they were low. I had prostate cancer three years ago, stage 3b, was treated by radiation, and PSA is undetectable and testosterone is 700. So it's probably not metastatic prostate, colon, or liver cancer.

However I read, especially for women, that high estrogen can cause liver cysts to grow, and coming off hormone treatment my E2 (estradiol) was 4x normal as my testosterone recovered. Has anyone seen this type of symptoms?

I'm scheduled for an MRI with a heptologist in June (was hoping for an ultrasound), but she wants to do an MRI.

[isi123]

Finding liver cysts is not unusual. I have a 6mm cyst in my liver. MRI is the way to visualize it in detail.

[BritishLiverTrust4]

Hi timoyur

We are not able to comment on individual results. However, for liver related questions please call our nurse-led helpline on 0800 652 7330 between 10am and 3:00pm Monday to Friday (not bank holidays) or email [e-mail] (emails can be sent at any time and are answered during helpline hours).

They will not be able to diagnose you but can talk through your results with you.

[Beadygrl]

Hi! I hope all went well. I'd love to hear how you are. I had a cardiac calcium score test that found something on my lung. So I'm freaking out about that. Hugs to you!

[timotur]

Hi Beadygrl, I'm doing well, thanks. I saw a Hepatologist, who ordered an MRI and it turned out I had about 4.5% fatty liver, just below the threshold of 5% considered as NAFLD. My cysts were all in the range of 1-4mm, which also fit the definition of NAFLD. I believe what caused it was treatment for prostate cancer using hormone blocking drugs to suppress testosterone, which in turn made me hypersensitive to carbohydrates. To fix it, I moderated my diet so that I don't consume heavy carbos in the morning and balance it out with more protein. So I seem to be ok. BTW, the first indication that I had NAFLD was a discomfort under the right rib when doing exercise on my belly. That seems to be a common symptom, and has gone away now. Best to you!

[timotur]

Hi PBP, I read your bio and congrats on successful treatment. Unfortunately, men on ADT are susceptible to NAFLD (link below). It surprised me when a Cardiac Calcium Score found that I had liver cysts and possible NAFLD, as mentioned in the above posts. As much as I love a carbo-loaded breakfast of oatmeal, bread, and cheese, I've cut back, and the mild discomfort under my right rib is diminishing. If your cysts are <5mm, it should be ok. We want to make sure it doesn't progress beyond NAFLD to NASH, which is where scar tissue is formed, and could lead to cirrosis.

karger.com/Article/Abstract...

[timotur]

My hepatogist decided on an MRI instead of ultrasound, which she said gives more detail on the size of the cysts and whether there is scar tissue. Here's a good video on foods that may help reverse NAFLD...

youtu.be/dTwurm6zWrs(Not working as expected?)

Yeah, pickelball is growing like crazy... in some areas taking over some tennis courts. I play tennis about 3x/wk, and run or swim the other days. I've played tennis about 55 years, so it's too late for me to switch to PB.

Anyway, good luck with the hepatologist, hopefully it is borderline NAFLD that you can address through diet/exercise.