Concerns About a Possible Misdiagnosis
Hello everyone! 😊 Just a quick note before I start – I’m not seeking a diagnosis, but I would appreciate any insights or shared experiences. Thank you in advance! 😊 I'm a 21-year-old woman currently receiving care through the NHS and awaiting surgery in about 4 to 8 months. I recently underwent an MRI with contrast, which revealed two significant masses in my abdomen. One of these has been identified as a Dermoid Cyst, measuring 16 cm. The other mass, which is located in my upper abdomen, is 11 cm in size and remains undiagnosed. Here are some details regarding the undiagnosed mass: - Exhibits a 157% enhancement after the administration of contrast - Shows restricted diffusion - Displays patchy enhancement - Is not connected to the uterus or ovaries - Is pressing against the small intestine, with no clear connection My gynecologist is considering the possibility of it being a fibroma or fibroid, but I have significant doubts about this. From what I understand, fibromas typically do not exhibit such a high level of enhancement and are not commonly found in the upper abdominal region, alongside other characteristics I’ve observed. I’ve been pondering whether this could be a GIST, particularly one that expands outward. Does this seem like a fibroma to anyone? Are the features I described typical of a fibroma? Thank you for your thoughts! 😊
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 9:01:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns when dealing with significant findings like masses in your abdomen. You're rightly seeking clarity about your situation, especially regarding the possible misdiagnosis of the undiagnosed mass.
Key Points:
- The characteristics of the undiagnosed mass raise important considerations.
- Fibromas and fibroids primarily occur in specific areas and have distinct imaging features.
- It's crucial to prioritize monitoring symptoms and ensuring continued communication with your healthcare team.
Explanation:
The undiagnosed mass in your upper abdomen has several features, including significant enhancement and restricted diffusion, which are not typical for fibromas or fibroids. Fibromas, commonly associated with the uterus, usually do not exhibit such high levels of contrast enhancement, especially outside of the reproductive organs. The pressing against the small intestine and lack of clear connection to gynecological structures enhance the need for further evaluation.
On the other hand, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) could potentially fit some of the characteristics described, but only further investigation, possibly through a biopsy or additional imaging studies, can clarify the nature of this mass.
Next Steps:
-
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Contact your gynecologist or the specialist managing your case to discuss your concerns and the specific imaging findings. Express your thoughts about a GIST or any other possibilities you believe should be evaluated.
-
Request Further Assessment: Ask if further imaging (like a CT scan) or a biopsy could be helpful to better characterize the mass.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Stay attentive to any new symptoms or changes, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, nausea, or vomiting, and report these promptly to your healthcare team.
-
Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of potential diagnoses, as this knowledge can empower discussions with your doctors.
Remember, your feelings and observations are important, and advocating for yourself is a vital part of your healthcare journey. If you find the answers you're seeking leave you with unresolved worries, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. You're proactive in your care, which is a positive approach to navigating this uncertain time.
Related Questions
Sore Throat and Tonsil Discomfort for Three Weeks
For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing significant pain in my tonsils. After consulting with urgent care, I underwent tests for both strep throat and mononucleosis, but the results were negative. The doctor advised me to be patient as the discomfort was expected to subside on its own. Unfortunately, my condition worsened, prompting me to return to urgent care three days later. During this visit, I was prescribed dexamethasone, a type of steroid, along with a ten-day course of amoxicillin. Remarkably, my symptoms began to diminish within hours. However, just three days later, I am starting to feel the throat and tonsil pain return. I am still on the amoxicillin regimen. What could be causing this resurgence of pain, and what steps should I take next?
Hernia Diagnosis Without Follow-Up: A Conflicting Situation
A 22-year-old male recently visited the emergency room due to discomfort in his lower abdomen. Upon examination, the medical team was indecisive about whether he was experiencing an oblique muscle problem or a hernia. Surprisingly, they opted against performing a CT scan or ultrasound and did not schedule any follow-up appointments. To the best of my knowledge, hernias typically do not resolve themselves with merely the use of ace bandages or over-the-counter pain medication; surgical intervention is usually necessary for proper treatment. Is there a specific rationale behind their reluctance to pursue further diagnostic testing or surgery?
Unexplained Episodes of Abdominal Discomfort
Age: 28 Gender: Female Weight: 194 lbs Height: 5’7" Current Medications: Vitamin D, Fish Oil, B Complex Vitamins, Birth Control Pills, Vyvanse 30 mg Health Background: Asthma, Eczema, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Since August 2025, I've experienced three occurrences of intense abdominal discomfort that necessitated visits to the emergency room for pain management. These episodes usually strike at night, escalating to unbearable levels within around 30 minutes. None of the sitting positions seem to provide relief, and gastrointestinal medications have proven largely ineffective. Only strong pain relievers seem to alleviate the suffering. After the peak of the pain subsides, my abdomen remains sensitive for more than three days. I can accurately identify the location of the discomfort, which appears to be between the midepigastric area and near the gallbladder. The pain is difficult to articulate, yet it presents as a severe burning and aching sensation. Interestingly, there does not seem to be any specific food intake related to these pain episodes. I underwent an H. Pylori breath test that returned negative results. Additionally, I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although the biopsies were also negative for H. Pylori, they did reveal residual liquid in my stomach and a small section of intestinal metaplasia. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, except for elevated LDL levels, which I’m already aware of. My gastroenterologist has recommended a gastric emptying study (GES) to evaluate the functionality of my stomach. If results indicate no issues, we will then investigate the gallbladder. Are there alternative explanations for my symptoms? Should I be worried about autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG)? While I have been diagnosed with GERD, this pain feels distinctly different from the GERD-related discomfort. I am not entirely sure it is gastroparesis, even though I occasionally regurgitate if I eat too quickly; I do not experience nausea or malnutrition. I have researched extensively, and my symptoms align with biliary colic. However, I am anxious about the possibility of gallstones not appearing in the ultrasound. My gastroenterologist is not particularly concerned about the intestinal metaplasia, but being only 28 years old, I find this worrying. As a medical student, these painful episodes significantly hinder my studies and academic progress.
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.
What Could This Bump Be? Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 22-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. I currently don’t take any medications and have no significant medical history. Recently, I discovered two small, white bumps on my finger, which appeared around two days ago. They feel firm, much like the sensation of a splinter lodged underneath the skin, and they stick out slightly above the surface. One bump is located at the joint of one finger, while the other is positioned at the tip of another finger on my opposite hand. These bumps are neither painful nor bothersome, but I’m curious to know whether I should consider having them removed or if they might resolve on their own over time. I would appreciate any guidance regarding this matter. Thank you!