Unexpected Cyst Detected in Abdominal Ultrasound
I am a 36-year-old female, standing at 1.73 meters tall and weighing 75 kilograms. Six years ago, I underwent a cholecystectomy and five years ago, a gastric sleeve procedure. Fortunately, I do not have any chronic health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and my weight is within a healthy range. There is a familial history of diabetes and fatty liver on my mother's side, but there have been no records of cancer or other chronic illnesses in my family. For the last three months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my abdomen. Given my previous fatty liver condition, I decided to get blood tests done to check my liver health in January 2025, all of which returned normal results. Initially, I dismissed the discomfort as gastritis or other minor digestive issues. However, by March 2025, the discomfort escalated significantly. I began feeling uneasy when sitting, noticing that even small amounts of food made me feel excessively full, and I experienced an unsettling sensation as though food were rising up my throat, although I didn't have nausea or acid reflux. This was accompanied by pain on my right side, just beneath my ribs, especially after eating. Concerned, I reached out to my doctor, who suggested I undergo an abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed a cyst of unknown origin near my liver, with some calcifications. Following this finding, my doctor recommended a CT scan with contrast. I had the procedure performed two days ago, but due to the holiday season, I won't receive the results for another five days. This waiting period is extremely distressing for me. I am a mother of three young daughters, and the thought of leaving them behind is unbearable. I would greatly appreciate any objective insights or advice regarding my situation. While I would like to share my ultrasound report and blood test results, unfortunately, there is no option for me to do so.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 10:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that waiting for test results, especially concerning something like a cyst, can be incredibly stressful, particularly with your responsibilities as a mother. Let's break down what you've shared and focus on what you can do while waiting for your CT scan results.
Key Points about Your Situation:
- Cyst Detected: You have a cyst near your liver, which can arise from various non-cancerous conditions, including simple cysts or those related to previous surgeries.
- Symptoms: Your abdominal discomfort and issues with fullness and pain, especially after eating, could relate to a variety of gastrointestinal or structural issues, possibly linked to your past procedures.
- Family History: Your family history of diabetes and fatty liver may warrant some attention, but you have normal liver function tests, which is reassuring.
Explanation:
Cysts often vary in significance and may not require immediate intervention. Many are benign and don’t lead to serious health issues. However, your symptoms of discomfort and fullness clearly warrant further investigation. It’s normal to feel anxious while waiting for results, but it's essential to keep in mind that many cysts can be managed effectively.
Next Steps to Consider:
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Stay Calm: Focus on reducing anxiety through stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light physical activity if you feel able.
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Dietary Adjustments: Since you're experiencing fullness and discomfort, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones. This may help alleviate pressure on your abdomen and improve discomfort after eating.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms. Note any changes in discomfort, fullness, or other digestive issues. This can be helpful when discussing your condition with your healthcare provider in the future.
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Reach Out: If your symptoms worsen significantly — such as experiencing severe pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), or other troubling signs — contact your doctor for guidance.
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Prepare for Results: When you receive your CT scan results, take note of what the healthcare team says about the cyst. Prepare any questions you have in advance so you can make the most of the discussion with your doctor.
While the uncertainty is understandably distressing, remember that many cysts are benign and manageable. You’re doing the right thing by seeking answers and taking care of your health. My thoughts are with you, and I hope for the best outcome from your upcoming results.
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