HELP: difference between liver metastases and hemangioma

[oona]

I had a complex large (4.3 x 4.0 x 4.0 cm) cyst on my left ovary in 2006 w/ no follow-up (really stupid I know). Now an ultrasound has picked up the following: a solitary 3.4 cm echogenic focus is noted in the left lobe with appearances most likely representing a cavernous hemangioma.

Could this be cancer that has spread after 4 years? I'm very scared because I've been feeling pretty sick this fall.

What is the difference between cancer and hemangioma. Can ultrasound accurately detect the difference?  29 year-old female, so scared.

[oona]

no rheumatologist yet and certainly no surgeon. i have had a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound, as well as a chest and abdo. x-ray. everything came up clear on the pelvic, but they did see the hemangioma on the liver (3.4 cm). i've talked with three separate doctors and a nurse, none of whom seem concerned about it all.  i'm not sure what the likely hood of my getting an mri is (the waiting lists are very long where i live), but i do expect that soon i will be able to get a referral  to a rheumy, considering that my symptoms have escalated. hopefully i will get to see someone by december.

i'm waiting on a GI/Internist appointment that is scheduled for next week.

thank you so much for answering! i think i may be dealing with an autoimmune disorder.

[kcd86]

Cavernous hemangioma's are the most common benign tumors found on the liver. They are usually found incidentally and cause no real problem unless they are large > 5cm and compress causing symptoms. It is important to asscertain that this is a hemangioma and not a focal spread from a primary tumor. Needle biopsy is not recommended as it it usually inconclusive and there is a potential for bleeding and or seeding the abdomen with cancer cells if that is what it turns out to be. You said there is not a complex cyst on your ovary? Since it appears that the complex cyst is gone I would tend to doubt that this spot on the liver is cancer(from the ovary) and it is just a hemangioma but since you did have a complex cyst it should be prudent to make sure there is nothing in your pelvis. I would be asking for an MRI of your abdomen and pelvis.
Positive ANAs are occasionally seen with autoimmune diseases that are limited to a specific organ such as the thyroid gland, liver, or lung.
I hope you have been reffered to a Rheumatologist together with your surgeon they can decide what if anything to do about the liver hemangioma.
Good Luck
Kevin

[oona]

follow up:

i wanted to be sure to follow up on this and let people know that my complex cyst is now gone. i will also be diligent about making sure i get checked at least once a year.  i think what is happening (now a positive ANA test) is not as clear cut as I'd initially thought.

however, i won't ever let a complex cyst go unchecked for that long again!