Issues related to abdominal ultrasound?
About a year ago, I visited a hospital's hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to stomach discomfort.
The doctor arranged for an ultrasound and endoscopy.
During the follow-up appointment, the doctor only mentioned that I had a gastric fundus polyp and mild inflammation, and advised regular monitoring.
A few days ago, I checked the National Health Insurance's online system and found the ultrasound report, which seemed to indicate roughness in the liver and pancreas, but the doctor did not mention this at the time.
Is this related? I have health anxiety, and seeing this has made me very anxious.
The report is as follows:
Clinical Diagnosis: Abdominal pain, nature?
Sonographic Findings:
Liver: Heterogeneous texture, no LK contrast, no lobar change, no mass seen
Biliary system: Gallbladder with normal wall thickness, no stones, no biliary dilatation
Pancreas: Mild heterogeneous texture with no PL contrast, no PD dilatation, distal body to tail masked
Spleen: No splenomegaly
Kidney: No hydronephrosis
Others: No ascites
Diagnosis: Diffuse liver parenchymal change
Ning, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/10
Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There should be no special findings, but please monitor for any signs of hepatitis B or liver function.
Reply Date: 2024/07/10
More Info
Understanding abdominal ultrasound results can be quite challenging, especially when you encounter medical terminology that may not be familiar. Based on your description, it seems you have some concerns regarding the findings related to your liver and pancreas, particularly after having undergone an ultrasound and endoscopy due to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Key Findings from Your Ultrasound Report
1. Liver Findings: The report indicates a "heterogeneous texture" of the liver, which suggests that the liver tissue is not uniform in appearance. This can be indicative of various conditions, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or other forms of liver parenchymal disease. The absence of "LK contrast" and "lobar change" suggests that there are no significant lesions or structural abnormalities in the liver lobes, which is reassuring. The report also states that no masses were seen, which is a positive sign.
2. Pancreas Findings: The pancreas is described as having a "mild heterogeneous texture" with no significant abnormalities noted, such as dilatation of the pancreatic duct. This could suggest some mild inflammation or changes in the pancreatic tissue, but again, the absence of significant findings is encouraging.
3. Biliary System: The gallbladder (GB) is reported to have normal wall thickness with no stones or biliary dilatation, which is a good sign indicating that there are no gallstones or inflammation in the gallbladder.
4. Other Organs: The spleen and kidneys appear normal, with no signs of enlargement or fluid accumulation (ascites).
Addressing Your Concerns
Given your history of anxiety regarding health issues, it's understandable that seeing terms like "heterogeneous texture" can cause concern. However, it's important to interpret these findings in context. Heterogeneity in liver and pancreatic texture can be common and may not necessarily indicate a severe problem. Many individuals have variations in their organ textures due to factors such as diet, lifestyle, and underlying conditions like mild fatty liver.
Next Steps
1. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since your doctor did not mention the liver and pancreatic findings during your last visit, it would be prudent to schedule a follow-up appointment. Bring up your concerns regarding the ultrasound report, and ask for clarification on what the findings mean in relation to your overall health.
2. Monitoring and Lifestyle Changes: If there are indications of mild liver changes, your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, weight management, and regular exercise, to help maintain liver health. Regular follow-ups and monitoring may also be suggested to track any changes over time.
3. Addressing Anxiety: If you have a tendency to worry about health issues, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider. They can provide support and possibly refer you to a mental health professional if needed.
Conclusion
In summary, while the ultrasound findings indicate some changes in the liver and pancreas, the absence of significant abnormalities is reassuring. It's essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that you understand your health status and any necessary follow-up actions. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle can contribute positively to your overall well-being. Remember, being proactive about your health is a positive step, and seeking clarification on medical reports is always encouraged.
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