What Do The Following Ultrasound Reports Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015

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

Wed, 2 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : 6 months ago, I was diagnosed (via abdominal ultrasound) with a 0.6 cm hyperechoic lesion on left hepatic lobe (hemangioma).
A follow-up ultrasound last week did not show the 0.6 cm lesion. Instead, a 2.1x1.4x1.6 cm focal region of increased echogenicity is noted at a different location within the left lobe of the liver. No other focal hepatic parenchymal changes are detected.
Gallbladder is normal, no ductal dilatation; pancreas, spleen & kidneys appear normal; no free fluid; & unremarkable midline great vessels.
Interpretation is:
Shifting areas of increased echogenicity can be related to heterogenous fatty infiltration in the liver. Alternatively, these could represent small hemangiomas with variable visibility on different ultrasound equipment. A CT scan has been recommended.
My doctor indicated that there is "probably" nothing to worry about.
I do not drink alcohol, I am not overweight/obese, my blood sugar is normal, but I have been on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for the past six years.
Should I worry?

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello! XXXX. Thanks for putting your query in HCM. As per report which show lesion of size 2cm which may be hemangioma or fatty infiltration there is nothing to worry till lesion is around 5 cm or more. Both these conditions are benign. I will advise you to get serial ultrasounds (3 monthly), if the size further increase then underwent CT scan of abdomen for better delineation of the lesion. I hope I have answered you query. If you have further query please let me know. Wish you a good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Amit Jain (1 hour later)

Thank you. Yes, I was worried, but if the lesion does grow to 5 cm or more, what symptoms would I experience?

Should I be changing my diet? Should I be stopping hormone therapy? What lifestyle changes should I make now to reduce the lesion?

Can the lesion shrink and disappear over time or is it permanent?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See detail answer

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for query.

If the size go on increasing there will be constant dull aching pain on right side of chest and abdomen.

Among diet take less fat and do regular exercise

Some of the hormone therapy do increase in size of hepatic space occupying lesion. Since your lesion is not characterised well, I mean not fully diagnosed, take that HRT in necessarity or discuss with your doctor regarding it. Or you may get CT scan for better characterisation of your hepatic lesion then decide about HRT

Yes lesion can shrink sometimes.

Wish you a good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Amit Jain (16 hours later)

Thank you. This is helpful.
All the best!
:-)

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Most welcome. If you are satisfied, then close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you a good health

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