Medical information needed

[sherrardk]

A member of my family has a mass on their liver and very high cancer markers - is this as bad as it sounds (don't want to ask them too many questions but want to know how bad this could be). Thanks

[sherrardk]

Thanks for your swift answer

[Sqad]

Zac is right....it is bad news.

Facts:
Most "masses" in the liver are malignant (cancerous) almost always secondary to another cancer elsewhere in the body.

Occasionally, the malignant secondary may be solitary and life expectation prolonged, but not usually.

Vary rarely a liver mass may be benign (non cancerous..Hepatoma) but exceptionally uncommon.

[ummmm]

My Dad died of liver cancer. We were told it was the most painless cancer to have.

[sherrardk]

I have just found out that the cancer marker that is particularly high is for ovarian cancer yet this person had a hysterectomy over 20 years ago. Does this make any difference?

[Sqad]

Hysterectotomy could leave one ovary or no ovaries........do we know which it is?

Anyway, this marker is of limited value as it does not give us any help with the liver mass, which will need investigation.

Forget the cancer marker..........it is masking the problem and not helping.

[sherrardk]

Squad - thanks for your help. My siblings have gone to pieces and are thinking the worst. I wanted some non-emotional information which is what you have given. Thanks again

[Sqad]

No problem....any further help, do not hesitate.

[sherrardk]

The person in question has an appointment with an oncologist tomorrow - do they tell you straight about how good/bad things are or do they just tell you what the next step(s) are? Thanks