
Should I Be Concerned About Tumor On Liver To Be Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma?

Question: Repeat of history info ...
BACKGROUND:
Non-smoker
Do drink alcohol
very physically active and fit
kidney removed 10 yrs ago, renal cell carcinoma
RECENTLY:
dull ache in RUQ, some overall body fatigue.
alt/asp/alp ... 11, 16, 178
bilirubin, albumin, INR ... 0.8, 4.2, 1.0
CT & MRI show 5 cm tumor on top of liver segment 7 & some sludge in the gallbladder.
intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma suspected & with much difficulty due to tumor location, a needle biopsy was performed guided by CT. biopsy was negative and now recommendation is to wait with further observation.
QUESTIONS:
(1) seems possible that the biopsy samples may have missed the active cancer cells (if really present) .... should another biopsy be done?
(2) MRI imaging seems to only suggest the ICC possibility ... should I consider this possibility as being a strong one or are they simply being cautious? (needle biopsy seems pretty invasive for a "guess")
(3) any other symptoms to be aware of?
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you.
Since your bilirubin and liver enzymes are within normal limits, it is less likely to be intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Negative biopsy finding just confirms that it is not a malignant lesion.
Abnormal liver function tests should be present.
Jaundice, weight loss, pale stools, itching, fatigue are some of the other symptoms.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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