Can I Get an Abdominal Ultrasound for Tumor Screening Without Symptoms?
Abdominal ultrasound Currently, if there are no symptoms or pain, is it possible to schedule an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound to check for tumors?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is not covered by health insurance unless there is a pre-existing liver function abnormality or hepatitis B or C. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can I Get an Abdominal Ultrasound for Tumor Screening Without Symptoms?
Understanding Elevated Liver and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Causes and Treatments
Health check values Recent blood tests revealed elevated levels in the following parameters: - AMY (Amylase): 103.000 U/L (normal range: 0-100) - TG (Triglycerides): 137.000 mg/dL (normal range: 50-150) - TC (Total Cholesterol): 213.000 mg/dL (normal range: 50-200) - T-B (Total...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Elevated amylase levels are significant only in the presence of abdominal pain. Elevated total and direct bilirubin levels should primarily raise suspicion for biliary tract disorders, and it is recommended to perform an abdominal ultrasound. If the results are normal and ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up value inquiry 2 Hello, doctor. I am the one from the previous message regarding elevated amylase and total bilirubin levels. I later underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and part of the pancreas, and there were ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Amylase can be monitored. 2. Sometimes the use of certain medications or exposure to chemical agents can also cause elevated bilirubin levels; follow-up is sufficient, and there are currently no treatment recommendations. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Can Patients with Fatty Liver Take Choline Supplements Safely?
Can people with fatty liver consume vitamin choline? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am currently your patient. I am undergoing treatment for elevated liver enzymes, and I do not have hepatitis A or B. An abdominal ultrasound showed moderate fatty liver, and I have been diagnosed with metaboli...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you only take vitamin B complex. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Patients with Fatty Liver Take Choline Supplements Safely?
Understanding Fetal Protein Levels: When to Monitor and Seek Help
Fetal protein Hello Doctor, last April I had a health check at Wan Fang Hospital where my fetal protein level was 6.93 (<20). In June, during a company health check, my fetal protein level was 8.90 (<8.5). I then went to another clinic for a recheck and it was 7.54 (<7.0...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The slight fluctuations and mildly elevated fetal protein levels may not have any special clinical significance, especially if there is no chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis present. In that case, it can only be monitored. As for whether it is related to traditional Chinese me...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Protein Levels: When to Monitor and Seek Help
Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Cirrhosis, with a rough surface of the liver? Hello, Doctor. Can you please answer me? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and the surface of my liver is very rough. I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years, and there has been no improvement. I have rec...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Patients with liver cirrhosis must continue to receive follow-up treatment. Blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds should be performed every three months. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: What Diagnostic Tools Are Available?
Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B carrier with an abnormal rise in AFP to 588? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. My current status is as follows: AST 23, ALT 28, AFP 583. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT, and MRI, but the reason for the continuous increase in AFP remains unclear. M...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated AFP levels are commonly caused by chronic hepatitis, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Tumors that frequently secrete AFP include pancreatic tumors, gastric tumors, colorectal tumors, and bronchial tumors, as well as pregnancy in women and tes...[Read More] Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Choosing the Right Specialist for Gallbladder Stone Surgery
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery) Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask: my family member previously underwent an abdominal ultrasound and a colonoscopy, and at that time, they consulted Dr. Zheng from the colorectal surgery department. Now, we have...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: If you have symptoms of gallstones, you may need to undergo cholecystectomy. You can schedule an appointment for evaluation with Dr. Tong Heng-Yu or Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng at our general surgery clinic. Wishing you good health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Ministry of Health and Welfare...[Read More] Choosing the Right Specialist for Gallbladder Stone Surgery
Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Liver examination Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my hepatic hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. I want to know if I need to fast before undergoing an ultrasound examination of my liver for follow-up.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is typically performed fasting to observe the gallbladder and pancreas. However, if the focus is solely on the liver, it can be done without fasting. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Total bilirubin (T) slightly elevated issue? Hello Doctor, I recently visited a weight loss clinic where the doctor arranged for me to undergo blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound showed normal results except for moderate to severe fatty liver, and th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. There are many common causes of elevated total bilirubin, including hepatitis (alcoholic, viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced), hemolytic anemia, biliary diseases, infections, sepsis, malignancies, Gilbert's syndrome, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cho...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Brown and Orange Mean?
Stool color This morning I woke up with diarrhea, and the stool appeared brown, but when I wiped with toilet paper, it had an orange tint... Is this normal? Two years ago, I underwent a barium enema, abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, stool tests, and abdominal X-rays for irritab...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The color of the colon is generally significantly related to the foods consumed. More importantly, it is essential to note whether there is the presence of black stools (also known as melena) or blood in the stools. Wishing you health, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Departm...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: What Does Brown and Orange Mean?
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns and Follow-Up Care
Gallbladder polyp issues? Recently, I had an ultrasound that detected a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.4 cm. The ultrasound technician mentioned that it "might" be a polyp or it could disappear over time. When I consulted with the outpatient doctor, they said that if it ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If gallbladder polyps are diagnosed through an abdominal ultrasound, they typically do not disappear, and it is recommended to follow up every six months. If the polyps are larger than 1 centimeter, surgical removal of the gallbladder should be considered. The ultrasound i...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left upper abdominal distension and pain? For nearly two months, I have been experiencing a bloating and dull pain in the area of my stomach (I'm not sure if it's the stomach), specifically about one to two centimeters below the xiphoid process, near the lower edge of t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination to check for any abnormalities in the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and other organs. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Discomfort in the left abdomen? Hello, I visited a doctor at the end of January due to stomach pain. After undergoing an abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy, the doctor diagnosed me with mild esophagitis and carditis, as well as moderate fatty liver. I am currently being treated w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the stomach can also manifest as discomfort in the left upper abdomen. If the pain is in the right lower abdomen, it may indicate a problem with the colon. Conditions such as colonic bloating, poor function, or constipation can also affect discomfort in the l...[Read More] Left Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Regarding pancreatic enlargement? Previously, I had stomach discomfort and an endoscopy revealed gastritis. For precaution, I returned to the doctor who performed an ultrasound and found an enlarged head of the pancreas measuring 4.2 x 2.4 cm (not fasting). Later, the doctor orde...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally, there is no specific term for congenital pancreatic enlargement. Please arrange for an abdominal ultrasound follow-up for confirmation. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Do You Need Fasting for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Regarding liver blood tests and abdominal ultrasound? For liver health check-ups, is fasting for 8 hours required for blood tests, or is it necessary for abdominal ultrasound? Additionally, should these two tests be scheduled on the same day, or does the abdominal ultrasound need...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound generally requires fasting for 6 to 8 hours to facilitate the observation of organs such as the gallbladder. However, if only drawing GOT and GPT (liver function tests), fasting is not necessary. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen...[Read More] Do You Need Fasting for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Understanding Tumors Near the Gallbladder: Seeking Medical Guidance
There is a tumor next to the gallbladder? My brother-in-law's health check revealed a tumor next to the gallbladder, but it is unclear whether it is benign or malignant. How should he seek relevant medical information and specialist doctors? I would appreciate your response....
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Please follow up with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department to clarify your condition, as there is uncertainty regarding a tumor near the gallbladder. It is recommended to prioritize a repeat abdominal ultrasound, or possibly further abdominal computed tomography ...[Read More] Understanding Tumors Near the Gallbladder: Seeking Medical Guidance
Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
Persistent pain in the area below the right rib cage? Recently, I have been experiencing persistent pain in the area below my right rib cage, which feels like a stabbing pain and is not superficial. I have not had a bowel movement for several days, so I went to the pharmacy and p...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination to primarily rule out liver and gallbladder diseases. If the liver and gallbladder are normal, further consideration should be given to gastrointestinal issues; of course, neuropathic pain cannot be excluded ...[Read More] Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues Explained
Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
If you are experiencing persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. In the meantime, consider the following general recommendations: 1. **Dietary Adjustments**: Avoid spicy, fatty, or greasy ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Functional gastrointestinal disorders require the exclusion of any organic pathology. It is advisable to first undergo examinations of the stomach and colon; if these are normal, then a diagnosis of gastrointestinal functional disorder can be confirmed. However, responses ...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Understanding Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
How Night Shifts Affect Liver Health: Essential Tests to Consider
Does staying up late affect the liver? My dad has been working night shifts and staying up late. Recently, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor advised him to pay attention to his liver health. What tests should my dad undergo?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You can have a blood test to check GOT/GPT (liver enzymes). If the results indicate any issues, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged for further liver examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] How Night Shifts Affect Liver Health: Essential Tests to Consider