First Nodule -> Early Cirrhosis?

[mba1976]

My father is 66 yo and he has Hepatitis C since he was 16. He tried interferon therapy 2 times, last time 6 years ago, but he is a Non Responder.
The routine ultrasound found him a suspect mass (12mm) and we are going to investigate about this asap.
(read other posts for further details)

ALT values were 3 times higher than normal on last year, then they became normal 3 months after. (analysis values are available if you need further details but we have not recent values yet, they are coming soon).

Given that I found that macromasses are typical of cirrhosis caused by virus I'd like to ask if the presence of this 12mm nodule means that my father got in the early cirrhosis phase.
BTW: He is actually feeling fine.

[tashka]

Cirrhotic nodules and hemangiomas look very different on the ultrasound. Ultrasonographer will not confuse them. Late cirrhosis can be seen on the ultrasound too, but not the early one.

I am glad your father is doing well.

[eureka254]

Inconclusive information and waiting for test results can often be very nerve-wracking, and I can sympathize with your anxiety.  Sometimes all we can do is watch and wait, and educate ourselves to be our loved ones' advocates. I'm sure your father appreciates your concern and caring on his behalf.

Unfortunately cirrhosis is very difficult to diagnose conclusively without a biopsy.   Certain blood results may give indication of cirrhosis (ie. persistently elevated liver function tests, low platelets, etc.), but cirrhosis can exist without giving any of these 'markers.'  Furthermore, many conditions can impact the these markers, thereby leaving room for a questionable diagnosis of cirrhosis.

The fact that your father feels well is a good thing, but that alone does not exclude the possibility that his liver may have substantial damage.  Considering your father's long-term infection, a biopsy may be a wise course for further clinical diagnosis.

CT-Scanning has high sensitivity in distinguishing benign masses from malignant ones.  Masses within the liver are not all that unusual within the hcv population, so it is more likely than not that your father has a non-cancerous lesion. Try to keep positive -- I'm sure your father needs your support right now -- and hopefully the CT Scan and further testing results will give you and your family more clarity.  I'm sure when you have additional information it will allow more insight.  Best wishes.~eureka