What Do My CT Scan Reports Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a lump just under my ribcage on the left side. Had CT scan done three weeks ago and nothing in the report about the lump. Report did indicate 1.1 cm lesion on left hepatic lobe. Primary Dr. said watch and wait. I sought a second opinion. Upon repeat of CT, still not seeing this! this lump is clearly there! Even the tech said she could see and feel it. Lesion on liver still showing up. CBC done and results were high levels for Alkaline Phosphatase, total protein, and globulin and also MPV? Dr. then ordered a Protein Electrophoresis. What is she looking for in this test? I have not seen her, she faxed over the order for thistest. Also, why is this lump not showing on any imaging tests? The tech also detected another small lump on the other side of my ribs, again can be felt and seen but not detected on the imaging.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Protein electrophoressis may be advised due to suspected multiple myeloma

Detailed Answer:
Hello there, Welcome to HCM.

There may be many reasons for not noticing the lump. Lesion may be small in subcutaneous(below skin)or muscular plain and small lesions may be missed if not clinically correlated.

I suggest you to consult radiologist and tell about exact position of lump. I am sure that the Radiologist will review the images and lesions may be detected if there are any.

Protein Electrophoresis may be advised due to suspected Multiple Myeloma as you have elevated Alkaline Phosphatase , total protein and globulin.

Besides other investigations, I suggest for X ray skull(lateral),pelvis with both hips(AP),L/S spine(AP/Lateral) to screen for multiple myeloma.

You should go for investigations to exclude multiple myeloma.

Get well soon.

Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee