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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Would The Blood/enzymes Come Back Normal If Liver Had Cancer?

My Dad had a CT scan of his abdomen yesterday and they called to tell us that it showed cancer in the bones, around the veins and in the liver. He just had his blood 'work up' a few days ago and the tests for the liver came back normal. Would the blood/enzymes come back normal if his liver had cancer? Also would a CT scan of the abdomen show bone cancer? We are very uncertain of this diagnosis ....
Tue, 14 Jul 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, liver function tests can be normal with liver cancer.
Liver is one of the largest organ of the body. So to alter it's function, there must be large damage to liver. Liver cancer in initial stage, commonly present as small heterogeneous mass. This small mass can not alter enzyme levels in blood.
Slowly this cancerous mass will increase in size and start altering liver functions and at that time he will have higher enzymes in blood.
And yes, CT scan of abdomen can show bone metastases. Vertebrae are most common site for bone metastases. And CT abdomen can show Vertebrae and if metastasis are present than can be seen easily.
So consult oncologist and start appropriate treatment for your father.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.
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Would The Blood/enzymes Come Back Normal If Liver Had Cancer?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, liver function tests can be normal with liver cancer. Liver is one of the largest organ of the body. So to alter it s function, there must be large damage to liver. Liver cancer in initial stage, commonly present as small heterogeneous mass. This small mass can not alter enzyme levels in blood. Slowly this cancerous mass will increase in size and start altering liver functions and at that time he will have higher enzymes in blood. And yes, CT scan of abdomen can show bone metastases. Vertebrae are most common site for bone metastases. And CT abdomen can show Vertebrae and if metastasis are present than can be seen easily. So consult oncologist and start appropriate treatment for your father. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.