Can You Have Intimacy with Cirrhosis? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Cirrhosis In cases of liver cirrhosis, sexual activity may be affected, but it is not universally prohibited. It is important for individuals with liver cirrhosis to consult with their healthcare provider to
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Patients with liver cirrhosis may experience breast enlargement and decreased libido, with a 5% annual risk of developing liver cancer. The progression of liver disease and its complications should not be overlooked... Liver cirrhosis. In severe cases, the liver's surface be...[Read More] Can You Have Intimacy with Cirrhosis? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Testing: Methods and Availability
How is the Helicobacter pylori test performed? Is it necessary to perform an endoscopy to check for Helicobacter pylori? Can it be detected through a blood test? Are these tests available in general hospitals? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have a four to six times higher risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma compared to the general population. Generally, individuals with peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, gastric lymphoma, or a family history of gastric can...[Read More] Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Testing: Methods and Availability
Is Hepatitis C the Only Cause of Liver Cancer? Exploring Other Factors
Is the occurrence of liver cancer only related to hepatitis C? My dad said he has hepatitis C. Does that mean the occurrence of his cancer is unrelated to cirrhosis?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
This is a disease caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus, leading to inflammation of the liver. Most patients with hepatitis C may be asymptomatic, while some may initially experience fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark u...[Read More] Is Hepatitis C the Only Cause of Liver Cancer? Exploring Other Factors
Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Chronic diarrhea Two years ago, I fainted due to severe diarrhea and sought medical attention, but the doctor said that taking medication to stop the diarrhea was sufficient. Over the past two years, I have frequently sought medical care for diarrhea, especially during colds, but...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition is likely Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Using general antidiarrheal medications may not be effective in controlling it, so please consult a gastroenterologist (you can find detailed information about IBS online). As for the gastrointestinal diarrhea caused by ant...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding High-Density Nodules in the Right Liver: What You Need to Know
High-density nodule in the right liver? I had a health check-up, and the report indicates a high-density nodule in the right liver. What does this mean?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If the high-density nodule is less than 3 mm, it may be a regenerative nodule, intrahepatic stone, or other benign tumors. Follow-up with ultrasound every six months is sufficient. Early-stage liver cancer is typically characterized by low-density nodules or tumors.[Read More] Understanding High-Density Nodules in the Right Liver: What You Need to Know
Managing Frequent Stomach Pain: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Frequent stomach pain? Hello, I am really worried about my stomach. I experience pain after breakfast in the morning, when I'm angry, when it's cold, and when I drink cold beverages. The pain occurs so frequently that it's becoming quite bothersome. My stomach is v...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition may be related to ulcers and associated gastrointestinal spasms. Please consult a gastroenterologist for an upper endoscopy to obtain a differential diagnosis.[Read More] Managing Frequent Stomach Pain: Tips for Relief and Recovery
Understanding Digestive Issues: What Your Stool Says About Your Diet
You are what you eat... (sweat) I'm sorry, but it seems a bit gross to talk about (laughs). Recently, I've noticed a phenomenon of "what you eat is what you excrete." One time, I ate stir-fried squid, and the next morning my stool was black, which made me thin...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If the stool color is yellow or has a good shape, it is generally acceptable. However, if it is deep purple (or black like hair), it may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, suggesting poor internal health. It is advisable to consume more yogurt for maintenance. Gastric poly...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: What Your Stool Says About Your Diet
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Is It a Sign of Future Diabetes?
Suspected hypoglycemia? Hello, doctor! Yesterday at noon, I suddenly felt dizzy, weak in my limbs, and felt so bad that it seemed like I was about to die. My stomach felt very hungry, and I didn't even have the strength to stand. A classmate gave me some drinks, and I lay do...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms may not only suggest hypoglycemia but should also consider psychological factors or so-called autonomic nervous system dysregulation. While I am not aware of your blood test results, I believe your blood glucose levels are likely normal.[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Is It a Sign of Future Diabetes?
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Suspected hypoglycemia? Hello, doctor! A couple of days ago, I suddenly felt weak all over, dizzy, and very hungry in my stomach, as if I was about to die. I felt extremely miserable and didn't even have the strength to stand, let alone walk to eat. A classmate gave me some ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms may not only be attributed to hypoglycemia but should also consider psychological factors or what is known as autonomic nervous system dysregulation. While I am unaware of your blood test results, I believe your blood glucose levels are likely normal.[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding Bile Duct Tumors
Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? My mother said that a tumor in the bile duct could also be malignant. Should this tumor be addressed first?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is rare for patients to have dual cancers, so the likelihood of the bile duct tumor being benign is relatively high. If it is indeed bile duct cancer, the prognosis may be worse, as this type of cancer tends to metastasize to other parts of the body more readily at an earlier ...[Read More] Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding Bile Duct Tumors
Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? The doctor said that the tumor in the bile duct is indeterminate. I am thinking that it should be benign. Thank you, doctor, for your previous explanation. My father has currently undergone treatment with a photon knife. He had previ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There are two categories of risks associated with liver cancer surgery. The immediate risks include the possibility of postoperative liver failure leading to death, as well as the potential for uncontrolled bleeding at the surgical site. Additionally, even after surgical resectio...[Read More] Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Chronic diarrhea does not present any inappropriate symptoms? Hello Doctor, I have some health concerns I would like to ask you about. I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea for the past three months without any other concerning symptoms. Each time I use the restroom, it takes...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your symptoms require a colonoscopy (although the results may be normal) to rule out the possibility of colitis or colorectal cancer. Additionally, for hepatitis B, it is important to have regular follow-up blood tests and ultrasound examinations every six months. For the treatme...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Prognosis, and Management Tips
About fatty liver disease? Hello, Dr. Yang: My husband and I both have fatty liver. I would like to know if fatty liver can progress to liver cancer or cirrhosis? I am very worried. My husband has been taking liver protection pills (red capsules) prescribed by the doctor for a lo...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Typically, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) does not lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis. If there is no elevation in liver enzymes, medication is not necessary; exercise and moderation in fried food consumption are the best treatment methods. There is no need to be overly...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Prognosis, and Management Tips
Can Cancer Be Transmitted Between Family Members Through Blood?
Can cancer be transmitted? If person A and person B are direct blood relatives, can cancer from person A be transmitted to person B through blood, regardless of the presence of tumors?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cancer is not contagious; however, its causes often involve bacterial or viral infections, or genetic predispositions (such as the presence of oncogenes). This can lead to familial clustering, meaning that family members living together may be exposed to the same pathogenic organ...[Read More] Can Cancer Be Transmitted Between Family Members Through Blood?
Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Options
Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? My father has been diagnosed with two tumors in his liver. Initially, he had hopes of using a photon knife, but that dream was shattered. Later, he considered embolization, but due to an...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your father has three possible scenarios. The first (most likely) is that liver cancer cells have metastasized within the liver; in this case, the treatment method would be chemotherapy, and the survival period is not long. The second scenario is that cholangiocarcinoma has sprea...[Read More] Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Options
Understanding Vertical Transmission: Is It Congenital or Acquired?
Vertical transmission can be either congenital or acquired? Vertical transmission can be either congenital or acquired. If cancer cannot be detected through blood tests, it is important to note that such blood does not have infectious properties. To avoid bloodborne infections, o...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Vertical transmission refers to the direct transmission of infectious viruses or bacteria from a mother to her offspring during pregnancy. A common example in Taiwan is a mother who is a carrier of hepatitis B transmitting the virus to her child. Another scenario involves a mothe...[Read More] Understanding Vertical Transmission: Is It Congenital or Acquired?
Understanding Painful Bowel Movements with Blood: A Guide for Patients
Painful bowel movements with blood? Dr. Yang: Hello, I have hepatitis B and often seek medical attention due to gastrointestinal discomfort. My symptoms include bloating, frequent gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, after undergoing a colonoscopy (about three years ago), ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
You have irritable bowel syndrome, and further testing may not be necessary. Please consult a gastroenterologist for treatment and arrange for an ultrasound examination of the liver.[Read More] Understanding Painful Bowel Movements with Blood: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
What disease is it? Hello Doctor: I have a friend who often feels discomfort in her abdomen and experiences nausea both before and after meals, along with diarrhea that is watery in consistency. She has undergone imaging studies, and the doctor noted a hazy area in her stomach th...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition may be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which has three main characteristics: 1. The symptoms recur frequently. 2. All examinations have been conducted, but they show normal results. 3. Consulting multiple physicians does not lead to improvement. This condition is p...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding White Stringy Material in Stool: Causes and Concerns
During bowel movements? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed that sometimes after having a bowel movement, there are small white thread-like substances in the stool. Sometimes they are present, and sometimes they are not. Can you tell me what this might be? Thank you for your ...
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The stool should ideally be in a tubular shape with a yellowish appearance. If there are thread-like substances resembling mucus, please schedule a sigmoidoscopy and stool examination.[Read More] Understanding White Stringy Material in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Is Hepatitis B Vaccine Safe for Women Planning Pregnancy?
Hepatitis B vaccine and preparation for pregnancy? Hello, doctor. Is it advisable for women preparing for pregnancy to receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Since the B-type vaccination requires a duration of 6 months (administering 3 doses at intervals of 0, 1, and 6 months), it is advisable to conceive only after completing all 3 doses.[Read More] Is Hepatitis B Vaccine Safe for Women Planning Pregnancy?