CancerCompass message board discussion started by Shannonb on 3/26/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,10712,0.htm Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I have two tumors on my liver, very small ones, about 1 cm each.  They are located close to my lung so the intervention radiologist does not want to do a biopsy but instead wants to do another CT scan in 3 months.  I have asked about doing a PET scan which shows increased sugar uptake in cancer cells to see if we can determine whether the tumors are cancerous.  The gastroenterologist however gives me a blank look and says that only oncologists order PET scans, not him.  This seems an inadequate explanation to me.  When I asked why, he just stammered and didn't really answer me. Should I return to my GP for another referral or is this normal?  Should I just wait he 3 months for another CT to see if the tumors grew?  By way of background, my blood tests were all normal, no hepatitis, no chirrosis, no tumor markers.I would appreciate any insight or experience people have.  I understand that most liver tumors are benign but it is hard not to worry. Shannonb Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT The most common liver abnormalities are benign.  Many times on CT they can do the density measurements to tell if it is a cyst or high probability of a "solid" tumor.  If it is suspicious , then it should be bx or as you state, a more sensitive study performed.  Even an Ultrasound.  Third party payers may not pay for the PET in your condition.  They can run some blood tests for Tumor markers to see if they come back elevated as well. Witchdoctor Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT I was tested for the tumor markers in my blood and those tests were negative.  The tumors are described as fatty with one of them containing a solid nodule.  Any thoughts? Shannonb Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT Fatty infiltration of the liver is common, the solid nodule must be what has them a little worried.  I don't have the scans but the concern would be the size and what it looks like.  That would be the criteria for aggressive workup or observation. Witchdoctor Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT Yes, it is very small.  They are still saying they think it is an adenoma which is benign.  And I did take high dose birth control pills in my 20's so that would fit.  I guess I have to accept that observation for 3 months with a new CT scan is not likely to change outcome or treatment.  Even if it grows and is cancer, at less than 5 cm, if they remove that part of the liver, the chances of cure are still quite good.  I am trying to be optimistic, especially since it is so very very rare to have a primary liver cancer without hepatitis or cirrhosis -- and I have neither of those -- and no tumor markers.  Let's hope that the odds continue to play in my favor.  Thanks for your thoughts so far and for any new ones you come up with! Shannonb Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT I hope you're well and that your 3 month follow-up was successful in determining what kind of tumor you have. Reading your post I was reminded of my own story.  They found a tumor April 2007, a CT & MRi, then a biopsy- results indicated a benign tumor.My symptons continued and I was still looking for answers.  Went to another doctor November 2007 and had another CT.  The tumor had doubled.  Had a liver resection January 2008 and it is cancer, stage II.  My 3 month check is coming up and I hope to be clean of cancer. Keep following up and let me know how you're doing.Nancy galhjerte Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT