Liver lesion

[nunbrook]

Diagnosed with PBC in 2018. After numerous scans doctors have found 18 mm lesion on my liver. They were going to do a biopsy but have now decided to remove it by robotic operation. Radiographers cannot decide what it is from the scans. I have an appointment with the surgeon on 13 May. Very worried it may be cancer. I have pain under the right ribs and upset stomach feeling nauseous at times. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

[PBCRobert Partner]

Hi.Thank you for your post. I can imagine this may be a worrying time for you but try not to think about all the "What ifs". It sounds like the clinicians are very much on top of this.

In terms of cancer, there is no data that says that there is more cancer in PBC than in any other population.

If it would help, you can arrange a chat with one of the Foundation's staff or even join us today on our live Q&A session (2pm UK time) and ask a general question about lesions.

Yours,

Robert

[nunbrook in reply to PBCRobert]

Thanks for your quick reply Robert. I did speak to Collette a few weeks ago. I don't have Facebook so not sure about the Q & A session this afternoon.

[Turquoise2075]

Hi nunbrook,

I had a lesion found on my liver on a Fibroscan in January last year. In describing it the report said, "Small echogenic subcapsular lesion in the left lobe may represent localised inhomogeneous fatty deposition or perhaps, a benign haemangioma".

I looked up what haemangiomas are and they are non-cancerous growths that are benign and common. They apparently usually go through phases of growth then disappear on their own.

Earlier in the report it described the lesion as 6 x 8 x 12mm in size, so a bit smaller than the one you have.

My liver specialist has not been concerned about it and has not sought to investigate it further. I have no idea if it is similar to the lesion on your liver or not, but I just thought I would share that information in case it helps in any way. You could ask for more information from your specialist about the possibilities of what it could be.

I don't know enough to make any further suggestions but I would try not to worry. The clinicians may just want to be on the safe side, but I would say ask questions if you have them.

[nunbrook in reply to Turquoise2075]

Thanks for your reply Turquoise. I am hoping it is something similar to yours. Nobody can seem to find out just what it is despite all the tests and scans. I think that is why they have decided to remove it. Iam seeing the surgeon on 13 May so may have some answers then. It's the not knowing that is always the worst part.

[Turquoise2075]

Hi nunbrook, It will be good to be able to see the surgeon and ask some questions. I only found out about the lesion in my case because I asked for a copy of the Fibroscan results. My specialist hasn’t even brought it up and obviously hasn’t thought it requires further investigation. Perhaps you could ask for a copy of the scans to see what the reports on them say. That may help in knowing what questions to ask. Hopefully talking with the surgeon will help you to feel clearer about things and more at ease. I understand it’s hard not knowing more at this stage. All the best and I hope you can get more information soon.

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

I, too, had a lesion on my liver. It was watched closely by routine ultrasounds to check any increase in size. Like Robert said, it sounds like your doctor is taking good care of you. I know it's hard not to worry but it won't change anything. Please let us know how the appointment with the surgeon goes. Have all of your questions written down. I would really try to take someone with you for another pair of ears for what he says.