Hi I Had An Abdominal Ct Recently And An Incidental

Posted on Mon, 8 Jul 2019

Question: Hi I had an abdominal ct recently and an incidental finding was a small hypo attenuated nodule on my liver. Due to my family history of cancer I became concerned. I am a 39 yr old otherwise healthy female. When I did my research I found two possibilities that became likely, a hemangioma or focal nodular hyperplasia. Both benign. However Could this nodule be cancerous given the descriptive terms on CT report?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If mentioned benign then no need to worry, please send copy of report

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

A liver nodule needs to be evaluated by a triple phase CT scan of the liver. It is important to know the complete description of the liver nodule as mentioned in your scan report.

Can I request you to sent a copy of the report findings for detailed understanding of the features of the nodule.

Since it is small, I suspect it is likely less than 10 mm in diameter. Nodules of size 10 mm or less can be difficult to characterize and it is important to do follow up scans over 3 to 6 months. This is important because in the event of a cancer nodule, it will grow fast and show certain changes and a significant size change in 6 months.

Finally, if the nodule is big enough to do a FNAC test in follow up scans, then a FNAC can be done in doubtful cases.

Evaluation of a liver nodule is a detailed and systematic approach in imaging and pathology and both these specialities of medicine need to be put to practise to confirm a benign nature of a liver nodule.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (9 hours later)

Hi that was all that was given to me. I called the ED and asked them specifically regarding details of the nodule but on this report was all the info they could give me. They even had a number at the top of the report but I’m not a physician in their system so I could not make an inquiry. Could you call them? Can you respond with additional information?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most hypoattenuating nodules are simple cysts

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

The report copy uploaded does not show any findings concerning the liver nodule. Therefore I understand that the nodule is very small and not looking dangerous in the images. In most cases, a hypoattenuated nodule is a simple cyst containing fluid content and not something that can cause any problems.

There are no ways to get to your care provider, however you can send me pictures of the nodule so that I can see in detail and further confirm on the possible nature of the nodule.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar