Liver Lesions

[VB_Mermaid 2]

I have 6 or 7 small lesions on my liver that were found incidentally during a chest CT about three years ago. I was sent for a liver ultrasound that showed no Fluid meaning they are not cysts, I had a MRI soon after but it was non-conclusive as to what the lesions were other then they did not seem to have any traits that a cancerous mass would have.

A year later I had a follow up MRI to check for changes and a couple of them had gotten ever so slightly larger, a few millimeters. Not enough growth to warrant a liver biopsy. I am a nurse so of course I showed the MRI to every radiologist, GI doctor and surgeon that I know. They all told me they can't tell what they are but that they would not be concerned. I had 1/2 of my right kidney removed when I was three and I have a metal clamp in me. I think that is keeping the MRI from being as diagnostic as it should be.

I have an appointment to see the nurse practitioner at my GI practice on the 16th to have liver function test (all of which have always been normal) and to set up another MRI. I am not only terrified that the lesions have gotten worse but I'm also afraid that it could stop me from being able to get a lap band, or that my doctor may decide that he wants to do a liver biopsy at the same time if I am allowed to have the surgery.

I would hate to get the band and find out a week or two later that I have liver cancer because in that case I would not want the band, liver surgery, chemo etc...all at once. I know that so far it does not appear to be cancer but you just never know what can happen in a years time. I'm probably worrying for nothing ( hopefully ).

I do alright throughout the year but when it gets near time for my yearly liver MRI I start getting into a panic.

Has anyone had this type of liver problem and been cleared for lap band surgery?

I'm sorry for the VERY long post. I guess that even though I'm new here I am feeling comfortable because I see how much everyone supports each other.

[justfoundthisboard 25]

yes, i had an incidental finding of a tumor on my liver many years ago. Had a liver biopsy, was told it was a just undeveloped tissue - a hemangioma (?). Got my band 14 years later, not a word mentioned by the surgeon even though I mentioned it in my medical history and I assume he saw it when he did my surgery.

[Maddysgram 6,159]

mri with a metal clamp??? I don't think so....

[Maddysgram 6,159]

Google MRI and metal

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

only your lap band doctor (and reg doctor)

can answer your question about if you can or cant get this surgery

best to discuss with them

[VB_Mermaid 2]

Yes, with a metal clamp. It happens everyday, just depends on how much metal and where it is. Trust me I've had two and see my patients do it all the time.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

Google MRI and metal

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/f/mri.htm

i did and found this.......

[VB_Mermaid 2]

They are doing more and more of them these days. Depending on how much metal is involved, many clips are made from titanium with only small amounts of metal. It really depends on the tech thats taking the MRI. In my case I have always been told I have a metal clip, how much metal, I do not know. The tech and radiologist were aware of this and said that it would not be a problem and it wasn't.

[VB_Mermaid 2]

yes, i had an incidental finding of a tumor on my liver many years ago. Had a liver biopsy, was told it was a just undeveloped tissue - a hemangioma (?). Got my band 14 years later, not a word mentioned by the surgeon even though I mentioned it in my medical history and I assume he saw it when he did my surgery.

Thank you

[dawalsh 919]

I have 6 or 7 small lesions on my liver that were found incidentally during a chest CT about three years ago. I was sent for a liver ultrasound that showed no Fluid meaning they are not cysts' date=' I had a MRI soon after but it was non-conclusive as to what the lesions were other then they did not seem to have any traits that a cancerous mass would have.

A year later I had a follow up MRI to check for changes and a couple of them had gotten ever so slightly larger, a few millimeters. Not enough growth to warrant a liver biopsy. I am a nurse so of course I showed the MRI to every radiologist, GI doctor and surgeon that I know. They all told me they can't tell what they are but that they would not be concerned. I had 1/2 of my right kidney removed when I was three and I have a metal clamp in me. I think that is keeping the MRI from being as diagnostic as it should be.

I have an appointment to see the nurse practitioner at my GI practice on the 16th to have liver function test (all of which have always been normal) and to set up another MRI. I am not only terrified that the lesions have gotten worse but I'm also afraid that it could stop me from being able to get a lap band, or that my doctor may decide that he wants to do a liver biopsy at the same time if I am allowed to have the surgery.

I would hate to get the band and find out a week or two later that I have liver cancer because in that case I would not want the band, liver surgery, chemo etc...all at once. I know that so far it does not appear to be cancer but you just never know what can happen in a years time. I'm probably worrying for nothing ( hopefully ).

I do alright throughout the year but when it gets near time for my yearly liver MRI I start getting into a panic.

Has anyone had this type of liver problem and been cleared for lap band surgery?

I'm sorry for the VERY long post. I guess that even though I'm new here I am feeling comfortable because I see how much everyone supports each other.[/quote']

You have every right to worry but you are a nurse and that's what's making you nervous. I'm sure if you're cleared for surgery that everything will be OK. If you're still worried speak to your psychologist to allay your fears.