What Do My Scan Reports Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017

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

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 5 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : About 8 weeks ago I asked about a lump I found next to my daughters spine. At the time it was the size of a quarter and when she bent over it stuck out like a golf ball. Very hard and unmovable. We took her to the doctor, they did an Ultrasound, xrays, and an MRI. Radiologist and surgeon strongly suspect hematoma. Today her lump is near 1/4 inch, so smaller but it's still not gone. They said it could take 3-6 months to go away completely. Any suggestions besides heat to dissolve this faster?Also does heat really help break it up? Would it be ok to just leave it alone and check it once a week? Just worried about it calcifying.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It resolves spontaneously.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
As per your description and investigations, it is haematoma.
I have seen many cases of Haematoma resolving spontaneously irrespective of the size.As your daughter 's haematoma is less than 1cm,nothing to worry.It gets resolved.
Exact time cannot be predicted.
I don't think it will take 3 to 6 months. It may be resolved in 8weeks.There is no need for regular checkup.You can review with Ultrasound scan after 2 months.
Even hot fomentation is not necessary. It is natural process to get resolved.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (18 minutes later)

It's been 8 weeks since we found it and has shrunk from 1.9cm to 1.1cm. That small amount of shrinkage took 8 weeks. I'm really hoping we don't have another 3 months of waiting and watching!! We took her to one follow up appointment and they want to see her again in 2 months if not gone. When a radiologist says strongly suspects, does that mean that's what it most likely is?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can wait and watch.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
As the swelling is reducing in size,it is a good sign of resolution.
As MRI also confirms Haematoma, the diagnosis could be correct.
Please wait for another 2 to 3 months and see for complete resolution.
Nothing to worry.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng