I have lurked on these forums for years, but this is my first time posting since I don't really know where else to turn and I'm just looking for some support and advice.
I'm 35 yrs. old and male. Earlier this year I had an ultrasound of my liver due to elevated liver functions on my blood test (I was taking Crestor at the time for elevated cholesterol). During the ultrasound they found something which then required a follow-up MRI. MRI showed a 4.8cm mass. I went to the GI for consultation and he was calling it a "complex cyst" and he ordered blood tests to check for cancer markers. Those tests came back negative and he said we should wait 3 months and re-image and do the blood work again to check my liver function.
So, fast forward to now, after seeing the next round of MRI images and blood work (which was perfectly normal, btw), the GI is calling it an "adenoma" which he said is most likely benign, but has about a 15% chance of turning malignant at some point. The MRI report said ~5cm this time, but he said that the .2cm was negligible based on the equipment, radiologist etc., so he considered it stable. However, he did recommend that I consult with a surgeon to have it removed at some point, so that is my next stop (in 2 weeks!).
My concerns are:
1. From my research this seems to be a problem that effects mainly women due to birth control. Have any men here been diagnosed with an adenoma and what was the outcome?
2. Another thing is that I am extremely terrified that this might be metastasis from cancer somewhere else in my body. I have GERD and chronic gastritis and those are going crazy due to this anxiety so I feel like every ache and pain is indicative of a terrible problem. Of course, bloating, burning stomach, etc. is the #1 sign of almost every abdominal cancer. Should I have my doctor order a colonoscopy? Is this fear even rational?
I would love to hear anyone else's experience with something like this. I think the anxiety is the worst part and not really feeling like I am in control. At the very least, I'll update with my results so others can learn from my experience as well.
Aw, Chris--
Of course you're terrified! And of course it's irrational! I've had so many needless cancer scares, it's funny. They always say any benign growth can becoming malignant. Calm down before you make yourself sick. The surgeon is going to ease your fears. Yeah, you'll have surgery at some point. Some point. Not now. Get those blood tests for cancer markers every 3-6 months and relax. BREATHE. Do ten slow shoulder rolls. Go to a mirror, look yourself in the eye and smile and say, "It's all going to be okay."--and it will be. It will. Relax and enjoy your weekend.
Last edited by 8brightside8; 06-15-2012 at 10:29 PM.
8brightside8, thank you so much for the kind words! I think I will do at least that much for the weekend. Lots of family stuff going on, so it should be easy not to think about it to much.
The following user gives a hug of support to chrisjjones: lisamaureen (06-17-2012)
I am in the process of dealing with the same thing. Yes, the waiting and worry is the most difficult part. I have come to the realization that no mater what it is, I can only deal with it one step at a time and I live my life the the absolute fullest the rest of the time. Don't waist another minute worrying, go out and do the things you love to do. Don't put things off until some day. Forgive and forget the petty differences you may have with people and love life. No one is promised a tomorrow. If I am diagnosed with the worst, liver cancer, then I will have no regrets. Things could be worse, I could be diagnosed with liver cancer and live in Syria. Don't be scared. Love your family. Give freely. Have no regrets. Love your fellow man no mater what your differences may be. Have faith in God. Isn't that how we should be living even without health scares?
Agood friend of mine had liver cancer about 15 years ago. He had it removed and was ok, then 5 years ago it came back. They removed it again and now he is fine. Even if it is liver cancer it's not a death sentence.
I think you'll find that your doctor believes the lesion to be cystadenoma which is different from adenoma or fnh. It's mostly a disease of middle aged women but men get it too. :-)
It's very difficult to find information about this on discussion boards because they are quite rare. It is considered benign but has malignant potentional so is always removed with a liver resection.
My complex cyst was found 2.5 years ago and I've still got it. Going for a scan this afternoon to see if it's grown. It hasn't looked like cystadenoma but, the more I read, (and I mean medical journals - not liver flush articles!), the more I see that it's hard to tell what these complex cysts really are until they're removed.
If you want information about liver resection, the fbh/adenoma etc discussion threads on this forum are a huge help. It is a very safe surgery but takes a while to recover.
Hope this helps. Go see that surgeon! And don't be afraid because at least you've got a diagnosis and a fairly small cyst.
Thanks for your kind words! I do believe you are right, he did mention cystadenoma, but when I had a follow-up call with him to make sure he just called it a "complex cyst." Also, he did say that he didn't feel any follow-up tests were necessary at this time (colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc.), but to keep the appointment with the surgeon.
I guess I shouldn't be too worried considering I've had 2 MRI images taken of it, as well as good blood work results and both my GI and PCP have said they are not worried either. But, it's still hard to keep away from Dr. Google who always gives the worst outcome!
I guess the next step really is to just go to the surgeon and consult with him and find out where to go from there!
Thanks,
Chris
Quote:
Originally Posted by milliet01
Hi Chris,
I think you'll find that your doctor believes the lesion to be cystadenoma which is different from adenoma or fnh. It's mostly a disease of middle aged women but men get it too. :-)
It's very difficult to find information about this on discussion boards because they are quite rare. It is considered benign but has malignant potentional so is always removed with a liver resection.
My complex cyst was found 2.5 years ago and I've still got it. Going for a scan this afternoon to see if it's grown. It hasn't looked like cystadenoma but, the more I read, (and I mean medical journals - not liver flush articles!), the more I see that it's hard to tell what these complex cysts really are until they're removed.
If you want information about liver resection, the fbh/adenoma etc discussion threads on this forum are a huge help. It is a very safe surgery but takes a while to recover.
Hope this helps. Go see that surgeon! And don't be afraid because at least you've got a diagnosis and a fairly small cyst.
