Have been to see my friend in hospital today. She has been feeling unwell for about three weeks now and is very yellow with jaundice. Initial investigations found a large "mass" on her liver which the Doctors suspected was a cancerous tumor. She was awaiting a biopsy and CT scan but yesterday became even more ill and was admitted to hospital where the CT scan was carried out as an emergency.
There is indeed a mass on her liver but it is NOT cancer. Thank God.
The mass is a parasite. A parasite that does not live in this country and is found in South America, New Zealand, Australia and the Mediterranean. At some point over the last few years, she has ingested this parasite whilst on holiday. It has taken residence in her liver and has grown to nearly 6cm long, 6cm wide and 5cm deep!!!! It has now started to block her bile ducts which in turn has caused the jaundice.
Her case has bamboozled doctors at the hospital who have never seen a case of this before. The consultant remarked that it was like an episode of House! Her blood samples have been sent to a laboratory in London for a second opinion and confirmation of the exact type of parasite. She may be transferred to a city hospital tomorrow where they have a resident liver specialist.
So although she is still poorly and will need to have an operation to remove the parasytic cyst at least she does not have a large cancerous tumor about to try and rob her of her life.
I am so very very very very thankful for this and have breathed a huge sigh of relief today.
2008-05-01 @ 20:15