CT scan findings results-Any opinions on the findings?

Question

The abdominal/pelvic CT scan with contrasts states small foci of decreased attenuation measuring up to 7mm of the liver. Punctate foci of high attenuation of the kidneys and foci of decreased attenuation in the ovary measuring up to 2.2 cm. The patient has a small lump underneath the right ribcage and RUQ pain radiating to the right flank area and all on the right side for about two months. Positive history of cancer. Father had kidney cancer. I am being sent to a surgeon. They would more than likely do a liver biopsy, right? Any opinions? Thanks so much. Getting ansy.

Answer 1

Hmmm - a bit hard to know really.

How big is this lump under the right ribcage? Is it 7mm? (like the small focus of attenuation on the CT?) because that's a pretty small lump.

I think if they want to get a sample of the stuff they would want to do a fine needle biopsy (CT guided).

I guess it sounds possible that what you are describing represents multiple foci in the kidneys and a 2cm mass in the ovary - and maybe something now in the liver ...

It's a bit odd for a cancer story because multiple foci in the kidneys is usually not a primary, and secondary cancer (spread from somewhere else) does not usually spread to the kidneys.

I would talk with the doctors to see if they can have talked with the CT radiologists and asked what it looks like.

Certainly it could represent an ovarian primary gone to the liver - but this would not explain the flank pain or the spots in the kidneys - note that these are high attenuation ... are they kidney stones?

Go to your doctor and get a proper explanation of the scan results. It could still be anything.

Answer 2

i would say a liver biopsy might be in the works (especially where you have a lump under the right ribcage, in the area of the liver). i would also say that you might have another scan of the ovary since it looks like there is a questionable area there as well. if you are having right flank pain this is indicative of kidney issues, so the biopsy of the lump would tell you whether or not the lump is cancerous, and then the doctors can go from there - if the lump is cancerous then your ovary and kidney may be checked for cancer as well to see if the cancer has spread.