Hello Karen, @immmm

Understanding the difference between lesions, cystic lesions, liver metastasis and tumors can be challenging. I found an article from Residents in Radiology Online that states:

"Cystic liver lesions, or fluid-containing lesions of the liver, are commonly encountered findings on radiologic examinations that may represent a broad spectrum of entities ranging from benign developmental cysts to malignant neoplasms. The wide range of pathologic processes that may result in cystic liver lesions can present a difficult diagnostic conundrum. The radiologist must carefully assess such imaging features as location, size, and unifocal or multifocal nature of the cyst or cysts as well as evaluate cyst complexity and associated findings. In addition, because radiologic features of various cystic liver lesions overlap, it is necessary to integrate imaging with clinical and laboratory findings to allow more definitive diagnosis."

As you can see, even for medical professionals the information from one image study alone, such as an MRI, is not enough for a full diagnosis. Here is the full article for furrther reading http://www.ajronline.org/doi/pdf/10.2214/AJR.10.5292

To determine next steps, such as further testing or a treatment plan, your friend's care team will piece together all the information they have gathered from imaging, clinical analysis and lab findings. Does she have her follow-up appointment to discuss next steps?