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Is A 4cm Cystic Lesion On Liver A Matter Of Concern?

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Posted on Thu, 2 Oct 2014
Question: Is a 4cm cystic lesion on liver anything to be concerned about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please attach reports to confirm a simple cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
It is most likely a simple benign cyst and that can be considered normal at your age based on imaging findings. It is important to know the features of the cyst you have before calling it a simple benign cyst.

Apart from a size of 4 cm, it would help to know the location, any septation, calcification and margins of the cyst. A CT scan abdomen gives the necessary information about a cyst. If you have undergone any imaging test like ultrasound or CT scan, I would like you to attach a copy of the report to your query. This will help me to confirm your condition with certainty.

Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (30 minutes later)
Thanks for getting back. They found this on a MRI I had on my lower back. I am going to schedule a ultrasound next week. I wasnt sure exactly what that really meant and if it was anything to be concerned about
Also, I have acute esophagitis which was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Biopsy was taken thru EDG and showed inflammation on esophagus and gastritis. Back in July when I started having pains around my sternum they put me on 20mg omeprazole which did not help. I went to a GI dr last month and had EDG 2 weeks ago. She put me on 40mg omeprazole and 300mg ranitidine at that time. I am still having chest pain as well as back pain sometime. How long does it take for this to clear up? I also get nauseous from time to time. Thanks in advance
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please make lifestyle changes as below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

In my experience, cysts are usually seen in the elderly and unless there is a septation, irregular margins or solid areas within, a cystic lesion in the liver is not a concern. This is the reason a cyst in liver is better confirmed using two methods and the ultrasound will give insight. If your MRI report mentions a simple cyst then you have no reason to worry.

The esophagitis and gastritis needs treatment for about 15 days to 2 months. Please take the medications before meals. A few lifestyle modifications will help you get more relief.
1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
3. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn.
4. Eat smaller meals.
5. Don't lie down after a meal.
6. Don't smoke or drink alcohol.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (8 hours later)
Thanks. The symptoms I get are right chest pains and sometimes in my back. what causes this and why do they feel so bad at times? What causes the nausea. I have been dealing with this for awhile, but just got in the increased meds 2 weeks ago. I havent really noticed any improvement. Is that normal? As previously noticed, I was on a lesser dosage of omeprazole before that. was told I could eat anything-like burgers, etc. Just stay away from acidy foods. Isnthat correct? Thanks!Also, I take the omeprazole in morning and ranitidine before bed


Also, the chest pain seems to be constant and not just when I eat. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

The right side chest pains, if in lower chest upper abdomen, could mean that the gall bladder needs to be evaluated. I guess it will be done during your ultrasound scan. If there are no gall bladder problems then the gastritis itself might be severe in nature.

The back pain which you report makes me worried if you are speaking about the spine for which you got MRI done. Please let me know any significant findings on your back MRI which I could help you to understand better and correlate it with your back pain.

I am not sure about your meal timings and if you feel nauseated after hours of fasting. You should be having small feeds every 3 - 4 hours. This will not allow acid to accumulate and intensify your symptoms.

Taking omeprazole when you are waking up in the morning is the best. If you take ranitidine before bed time then please be sure that you have your meal at least 2 hours before taking the medication.

I would suggest you that if you take burgers then they should be non spicy. You can eat burgers but please try to have a dessert after that. This will prevent creating acidic environment that might give you discomfort.

Taking medications at proper times and following the little instructions should may you feel better in a week.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (12 minutes later)
Hi. the chest pain I am having is by my right breastbone arounf sternum. The back pain is upper back. Could this be from inflammation of esophagus? I do have degenerative disc disease in my lower back. That is why I had MRI taken. Is the prognosis for esophagitis and gastritis good? It seems that this pain just wont go away. Taking longer than I thought Thanks
Sometimes i do get a little dull stabbing pain in upper mid back

also feel like i have a little lump in my throat, but not all the time I have no problem swallowing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Esophagitis and gastritis has good prognosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Considering your age, I is wise to get a heart check done just to make sure you do not have any problems with it.

The chest pain to the right can be referred form the esophagus.

I suppose you are thinking a lot about the gastritis and esophagitis which is causing you more distress and probably contributing partly to the nausea and discomfort.

Esophagitis and gastritis have a complication rate of 1 percent and lifestyle changes can help a lot.

The lump in the throat might be due to EDG and will resolve soon.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
thanks for getting back to me. You are right. this has been really been on my mind and that isnt good. The dosage of meds i am on, is that sufficient? They will help with chest pain- right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sufficient dosage

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

The dosage 40mg omeprazole and 300mg ranitidine are sufficient for you. If there is significant improvement and you have made lifestyle changes then it can be reduced. However there is no reason to worry about medications and your chest pain should be reduced. Please remember meal frequency and changes are equally important when compared to medications.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (36 minutes later)
thanks. one big life style change i did make over a month ago was to quit smoking. Glad I did that. I know to stay away from acidy foods. I just get so con fused as what to eat. How a out fried foods, deserts, lunch meat bread. Going to look for a wedge pillow today. I have been sleeping on 4 pillows. I didnt know if that was good enough. I do not drink alcohol either. I am trying. Got to get rid of this Once I do, can i go back to normal food like pizza, etc. thank you so much for your input!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Cessation of smoking will give you a lot of benefits and you might be feeling the change. Other than spicy foods, you can eat almost anything. Light fries are also allowed but if you take deep fries then please balance it with salads and boiled vegetables. Desserts will also help reduce the stomach acid. I suggest you start on munchies regularly so that the gap between meals is reduced. You can enjoy a pizza once in a while as long you follow it up with desserts.

Sleeping on 4 pillows sounds uncomfortable, you may use the wedge pillow or a bolster pillow.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (51 minutes later)
thanks for getting back to me. I forgot to mention that the cystic lesions are in the right side of my liver lobe. i know I cant take anti inflamatory meds because of inflammation of esophagus, but is there anything i can take when i get lower back pains from degenerative disc disease? I will be so glad when this inflammed esophagus goes away as well as upper pains in back. I guess I am just impatient. I hope my meds and lifestyle changes kick in soon. thanks in advance
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find options below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Yes, liver cysts are more common on the right side.

There are options you may consider to reduce your back pain due to degenerative disc disease.
1. Take regular rest and avoid heavy physical activity.
2. Apply ointments containing pain killers and muscle relaxants.
3. Sleep in a good position.
4. You may take injectible steroids in your back but the response to pain varies with each patient.
5. There are new medications like pregabalin (Lyrica) which treat nerve related pain, this needs to be discussed with your doctor and is a prescription medication.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (8 hours later)
Hi. I am on gabapentin since i have neuropathy. I have been getting a dull stab pain off and on in mid back just right of my spine. I am thinking it all has to do with my inflammation, but I dont know. Still have that soreness in my right chest
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Gabapentin is a good medication for nerve related pains. Esophagitis and gastritis can cause the pain you describe in right chest. We however need to wait for the ultrasound scan just to confirm the right side pain has nothing to do with the gall bladder.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (5 minutes later)
will be getting ultrasound weds. In your findings, with the meds I am on and lifestyle changes, when will this go away. It seems like its taking so long. Thanks again!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The healing has started

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

You have everything going your way. Your condition is treatable and you need to sit back and relax. You have started taking medications and the the inflammation has started to heals. As you eat smaller meals, change your diet, reduce stress significantly and get back to being healthier, you can have a fresh start in about a fortnight or a month. Please remember that the inflammation is just like a wound and needs to form a scab which can take a sometime because the stomach is always bathed in acid and the situation is like trying to keep your lawn dry on a rainy day. You have to wait for the clouds to move.

I will be glad to review your ultrasound scan findings Wednesday.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (11 minutes later)
Thank you so much. I know the stress of this is not good for me and I will sit back and relax. Your words were very encouraging to me and for that I thank you. Thanks about going over ultrasound with me!Maybe you can answer this too. In August I had ct scan of chest taken. It said heart is mildly enlarged Pericardium is unremarkable. Aorta is normal caliber with mild atherosclerotic califications. If you can, can you tell me what all that means? Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

The CT scan says that your heart size is slightly enlarged, this is an acceptable finding at your age. However an echocardiography will give more functional information about the heart and valves.

The pericardium is a covering membrane around the heart and it is mentioned as normal

Aorta is a blood vessel that transports blood from heart to rest of the body. In your case it is normal in diameter and the walls of aorta show small calcifications which is an age related finding.

In conclusion, the heart looks normal. You can get an echocardiography if not done before.

You may like to tell me why a CT scan was done for you.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)
Thanks for getting back. I was a smoker, so my dr ordered a chest xray. The xray showed a mild opacity on lung so she scheduled a ct scan. It showed no pulmonary embolism. Mild mediastinal lymphadenopathy with pre vascular lypmy nodes measuring up to 8mm. right hilar lymph node measuringnup to 1.3cm. No infiltrate, effusion or pneumothorax. They told me no masses. Mild mediastinal and right hilar lymphadenopathy, may be reactive. Again, I am not sure what all that means If you can put that in easy terms, that would be great! Right now, I just want to get rid of this esophagitis pain and I know that will take some time. Thanks! p.s. Also slight prominence of the interstitial markings, may be secondary to underinflation or mild pulmonary vascular congestion. I guess I am a mess. Thanks in advance!Also, when i touch the sides of my upper rib cage, they feel sore maybe tender. Could that be from inflammation of esophagus? Thanks again
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Lymphnodes are benign

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

A small prevascular lymph node measuring 1.3 cm might not be significant in the absence of other findings. The word reactive lymphadenopathy is used for benign occurrences. Any infection in esophagus can cause it. Certain esophagitis can cause these lymphnodes to be present.

Prominence of interstitial markings can be due to your smoking habit and is not a concern.

Other than esophagitis, rib cage pain can also be due to benign causes like inflammation of cartilage near the breastbone (costochondritis)
osteoporosis.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (14 minutes later)
thanks. I do have borderline osteoporosis. is there a test for that inflammation? I go for ultrasound tomorrow. Will call a cardiologist today. thanks for all your info!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
DEXA scan for osteoporosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

There is a score to measure osteoporosis and the name of the test is DEXA scan. It is a non invasive procedure using weak X rays.

I am eagerly waiting to discuss your ultrasound report tomorrow.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

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

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Practicing since :2002

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Is A 4cm Cystic Lesion On Liver A Matter Of Concern?

Brief Answer: Please attach reports to confirm a simple cyst Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. It is most likely a simple benign cyst and that can be considered normal at your age based on imaging findings. It is important to know the features of the cyst you have before calling it a simple benign cyst. Apart from a size of 4 cm, it would help to know the location, any septation, calcification and margins of the cyst. A CT scan abdomen gives the necessary information about a cyst. If you have undergone any imaging test like ultrasound or CT scan, I would like you to attach a copy of the report to your query. This will help me to confirm your condition with certainty. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek