Can Liver High Echogenic Tumors Suddenly Appear? Rapid Growth

Can a hepatic hyperechoic tumor suddenly develop?

Hello Doctor, I have been undergoing abdominal ultrasounds as part of my health check-ups (I have a 0.6 cm hyperechoic tumor that is being monitored).
This time, there was a 10-month gap since my last check-up, but I suddenly found two additional tumors, one measuring 2.1 cm and the other 1.2 cm, making a total of three, all of which are hyperechoic.
Is it normal to suddenly have two new tumors after 10 months, with sizes of 2.1 cm and 1.2 cm? Is this rate of growth considered normal? (The health check-up also included blood tests for GOT, GPT, and alpha-fetoprotein, all of which were normal.)

Miss Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/29

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Please discuss with the attending physician whether further examinations are necessary.
Additionally, contraceptive pills may promote the growth of hemangiomas, so if you are taking them, it is important to discuss discontinuation.

Reply Date: 2023/12/29

More Info

The sudden appearance of high echogenic tumors in the liver, particularly when detected through ultrasound, can be concerning for patients. In your case, the discovery of two new tumors (2.1 cm and 1.2 cm) alongside a previously monitored 0.6 cm tumor raises several important questions regarding their nature and growth rate.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that liver tumors can vary significantly in their characteristics, including echogenicity, which refers to how they appear on ultrasound. High echogenicity typically indicates that the tumor is denser than the surrounding liver tissue, which can be associated with various conditions, including hemangiomas (benign vascular tumors), focal nodular hyperplasia, or even certain malignant tumors. The fact that you have three high echogenic lesions necessitates further evaluation to determine their exact nature.

Regarding the growth rate, the appearance of two new tumors within a span of 10 months is not typical for benign lesions, which usually grow slowly. However, certain factors can influence the growth of liver tumors, including underlying liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or other metabolic disorders. Additionally, the presence of hormonal influences, such as those from contraceptive medications, can potentially promote the growth of certain types of tumors, such as hemangiomas.

The normal results from your blood tests (GOT, GPT, and alpha-fetoprotein) are reassuring, as they suggest that there is no immediate indication of liver dysfunction or malignancy. However, these tests alone cannot rule out the presence of tumors, particularly if they are small or atypical.

In terms of diagnostic accuracy, ultrasound can be affected by various factors, including the patient's body habitus, the presence of bowel gas, and the operator's experience. Therefore, it is not uncommon for discrepancies to arise between different imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and CT scans. A CT scan, particularly with contrast, can provide more detailed information about the lesions and help differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.

Given the rapid appearance of these tumors, it is advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of further imaging studies, such as a CT or MRI, to gain a clearer understanding of the lesions. Additionally, a biopsy may be warranted if there is suspicion of malignancy based on imaging findings.

In conclusion, while the sudden appearance of high echogenic tumors in the liver is not typical, it is crucial to approach this situation with a thorough evaluation. Continuous monitoring and further imaging studies will be essential in determining the nature of these tumors and deciding on the appropriate management strategy. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific medical history and findings.

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