Possible Parasitic Liver Cyst

[Guest guest]

Hello,

My name is and I am new to the forum. Anyway, I have a cyst in my liver

that what first picked up by CT scan in 2005. At this time it was only 2.5 cm

and was classified as a simple fluid filled cyst. Over the years the cyst has

grown and it is now 5.4 cm by 4 cm and is now classified as " abnormal appearing

and complex " . I have a history of severe hives, GI issues, and general malaise.

I also lived in Costa Rica for a year prior to starting the symptoms that I just

mentioned. Some docs that I consulted with recently, feel strongly that I could

be dealing with a parasitic cyst in the liver of the species " echinoccocus "

considering that I lived in an area where it is endemic. I am also experiencing

mild to moderate pain in the liver area that radiates to the right back and

shoulder blade.

Based on my research, it is very difficult to make a definitive diagnose of this

type of cyst and the antibody blood tests are only about 70% acccurate. I also

learned that the common treatment of this is to remove it surgically (can be

risky??) followed by chemotherapy using antiparasitic drugs.

I recently consulted with a liver specialist at University of Illinois at

Chicago but was quite discouraged by his seemingly lack of knowledge of this

particular parasite. He has since referred me to a surgeon but if he didn't

have much knowledge, why would the surgeon? They are at the same hospital.

Anyway, I have found information of treating this parasite with Dr. 's

parasite cleanse but even she said that it is very difficult to eradicate.

I am considering consulting with an expert in Tropical Medicine/parasitology in

the meantime.

I just don't want to the cyst to get so big as to create problems such as bile

duct obstruction so I definitely need to move forward with something.

I was just wondering if anybody on this board could offer any useful input or

has any knowledge of this issue.

Thanks so much,