Understanding Lower Abdominal Hardness: Symptoms and Cancer Concerns
Lower abdominal mass? Hello! Recently, I have noticed a hard mass located about two centimeters above my lower abdominal hip bone. It is difficult to feel when standing, but I can easily palpate it when sitting down. The mass becomes more prominent when I have the urge to defecat...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, once abdominal tumors or masses appear, they do not shrink or disappear. Therefore, the hard or protruding object that you feel may be a distended section of the intestine, which can subside after the distention resolves. Of course, subcutaneous structu...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Hardness: Symptoms and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Bloating with Reduced Gas: Causes and Next Steps
Bloating with a decrease in flatulence? Dear Doctor, I have been experiencing a dull sensation under my left rib cage recently, which sometimes extends to the left side of my lower back. This has been ongoing for a week. I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner wh...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, an abdominal ultrasound can generally rule out liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases as the cause of pain after eating, which is more related to gastrointestinal issues. Bloating is usually relieved by passing gas or burping. The causes of bloating include poor dieta...[Read More] Understanding Bloating with Reduced Gas: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns, Risks, and Surgical Options
Gallbladder polyp Hello Doctor: My mother had an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital a month ago, which revealed two polyps in her gallbladder, one measuring 0.2 cm and the other 0.6 cm. After a month, she had another examination at a different hospital, and the polyps were foun...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Polyps can sometimes be multiple, and different hospitals may yield varying results. The imaging equipment itself may have discrepancies, and factors such as the size of small polyps, angles, or whether different polyps have truly grown can all contribute to these dif...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns, Risks, and Surgical Options
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatments
Upper abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing mild pain in my upper abdomen for about two months. I went to the hospital for an abdominal ultrasound, which indicated a slight inflammation of the stomach. I also had liver and gallbladder blood tests that came back...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Abin, 1. The presence of Helicobacter pylori causing gastritis or ulcers needs to be confirmed by endoscopy; therefore, if there is no improvement, endoscopy should be considered. 2. General dyspepsia is typically not related to bacterial infection, and the infection ra...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Re-evaluating abnormal aminoacyl transferase levels? I apologize for asking you again about the abnormality of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Recently, during a health check at my company, my GGT level was found to be abnormal at 104. However, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatic hemangioma is 0.6 cm in size, which is small, but it requires monitoring. The ultrasound shows typical characteristics of the hemangioma. Due to the small size of the tumor, ultrasound is a better tool for follow-up. Generally, clinical guidelines recommen...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Can I Book an Abdominal Ultrasound Appointment for My Husband?
Follow-up: Schedule for abdominal ultrasound? Thank you, Dr. Lin, for your response. My husband only needs to schedule an abdominal ultrasound appointment and does not require a consultation or blood draw. Is it possible for me to make the appointment for him? He can just come in...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, I suggest you make an appointment for the hepatitis outpatient clinic at Taoyuan Hospital on the afternoon of October 22. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Can I Book an Abdominal Ultrasound Appointment for My Husband?
Follow-Up on Gallbladder Polyps: Appointment Inquiry for Ultrasound
Follow-up questions regarding gallbladder polyps? Dr. Lin: Hello! Last time my husband had an abdominal ultrasound with you, and a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp was found. Now that three months have passed, he needs to return for a follow-up appointment, but it is inconvenient for hi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, you can schedule an abdominal ultrasound. According to health insurance regulations, the patient must be present for the consultation. Best regards, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Follow-Up on Gallbladder Polyps: Appointment Inquiry for Ultrasound
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Gallbladder polyps Dr. Lin: I apologize for bothering you again. I had an abdominal ultrasound last week, which showed a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp, and I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In your response on July 14, you mentioned that the ultrasound indicated "cholesterol or ade...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, cholesterol polyps are brighter, more regular, and multiple. Your polyp is small, regular, but not very bright. Currently, only one is observed, and it does not appear malignant at this time, but it needs to be monitored. It is generally recommended to remo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder polyp Dr. Lin: Hello, my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B. He had an abdominal ultrasound yesterday, which showed a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.37 cm. I would like to ask: 1. Since it is a single polyp and not multiple, is there a possibility that it could be mal...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Most gallbladder polyps are benign, while malignant polyps are generally larger, usually greater than 1 cm, and tend to have an irregular shape, sometimes accompanied by changes in the gallbladder wall. 2. Ultrasound monitoring is the most convenient examination; occasi...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
A HBV DNA level of over 15 million copies is considered very high and indicates a significant viral load. This can suggest active hepatitis B infection and may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional? Hello Dr. Li: I am 47 years old and have been a ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, 1. In your letter, you mentioned that your HBV DNA is over 15 million (is the unit IU/ml or copies/ml?). When assessing HBV DNA, it is important to evaluate the unit of measurement. Regardless of the unit, a level of over 15 million indicates a very high viral load. Ad...[Read More] Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?
Understanding Small Gallbladder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Gallbladder? A small gallbladder was noted in the abdominal ultrasound report during your health check-up. What is a small gallbladder? What symptoms might it cause? Is any treatment necessary? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the causes of gallbladder issues include insufficient eating time, gallstones, chronic cholecystitis, and individual differences in constitution. It is recommended to continue monitoring. Best wishes, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Small Gallbladder: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello Dr. Lin: I just received the results of my military service physical examination from the city office today. It states that my liver enzyme levels are elevated, with SGOT at 58 and SGPT at 84. I checked online, and the normal range is consider...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello A-Min, Although the standard values for GOT and GPT may vary slightly from one hospital to another, they generally do not differ significantly. In our hospital, the standard values for GOT and GPT are below 40. A GPT level of 84 indicates an abnormal liver index, suggesti...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Gastroenterology Gastroenterology: Due to my unfortunate experiences during military service, I had an irregular diet, often going several meals without eating, and even when I did eat, I had to lift heavy objects immediately afterward. As a result, my gastrointestinal system was...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan Reply:
To Mr. Chen: Your symptoms do not seem to follow the typical course of appendicitis, nor do they appear to be related to spinal injury. Instead, they resemble gastrointestinal dysfunction, potentially including dysfunction of the important gastrointestinal sphincters. These issue...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Tests
Can Pregnant Women Safely Undergo Abdominal Ultrasound for Hepatitis B?
About abdominal ultrasound? Hello Dr. Lin: I would like to ask about abdominal ultrasound examinations. If a patient is already pregnant, can they still undergo regular abdominal ultrasounds for hepatitis B? Will this have any impact? Should the examinations be postponed?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, it is safe to perform an abdominal ultrasound for hepatitis B during pregnancy. This procedure is similar to the ultrasounds conducted for routine prenatal check-ups and does not need to be postponed. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, ...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Safely Undergo Abdominal Ultrasound for Hepatitis B?
How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
How much aflatoxin does one need to consume to develop liver cancer? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have undergone abdominal ultrasound examinations by two different physicians. The doctor at the Tzu Chi Douliu Clinic reported a small dark shadow and noted that the spleen appears larger than u...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, since you do not have hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of malignant tumors is low. However, if you are still concerned, a CT scan can be arranged for further evaluation. I'm not sure about the size of the small dark spot that was seen on the original ultrasound; somet...[Read More] How Much Aflatoxin Exposure Can Lead to Liver Cancer?
High r-GTP Levels Indicate Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know
The r-GTP level for alcoholic hepatitis reached as high as 161? After fasting for eight hours, I underwent a urinalysis and blood test at a general clinic. The report shows the following abnormalities: Total cholesterol = 221 mg/dL, Triglycerides = 284 mg/dL, r-GTP (Gamma-glutamy...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Tian, Your elevated levels related to alcoholic hepatitis are associated with alcohol consumption; you need to abstain from drinking, and your levels may decrease as a result. Your high blood lipids and uric acid require attention to dietary control and reduced alcohol ...[Read More] High r-GTP Levels Indicate Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated fetal protein index? My husband recently had a health check at his company, which revealed an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 65. He then went to the Gastroenterology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital for further evaluation, where his AFP level was aga...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other tumors such as germ cell tumors and testicular inflammation, as well as pregnancy. Generally, if the fetal protein level exceeds 400, liver cancer should be suspected. In your ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your HBV DNA Levels: Implications for Infection and Monitoring
What does the value of HBV DNA represent? Hello Dr. Lee: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B around the age of 10. I recently had some tests done at the hospital, but I still have some questions I would like to ask you. Below are the results from my blood tests: HBsAg is positive at...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, 1. The letter mentions that your HBV DNA is over 10,000, but since there are no units provided, it's not possible to determine whether your viral load is high or low. 2. However, even if your viral load is very high, since your GOT is 28 IU/L and GPT is 30 IU/L, w...[Read More] Understanding Your HBV DNA Levels: Implications for Infection and Monitoring
Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me Hello, I have a question... My uncle, who is 44 years old, has been a long-term alcohol consumer. About 1-2 months ago, he experienced abdominal pain and vomited bright red blood. He was diagnosed by a physician with mild c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao Mi: Due to the need for a personal ultrasound examination, it is not possible to determine the source of the bubbles (or cysts?). If you continue to have a high fever, you should return to the emergency department for further evaluation, and if necessary, a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Elevated GPT levels? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a blood test that showed a GPT level of 47 and a white blood cell count of 3.6. I was diagnosed with hepatitis B during high school. Due to high work stress, I don’t have time for a lunch break, and I feel very tired when I get ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Patients with hepatitis B are advised to have regular follow-ups, including liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasound. There are many causes of skin itching, and liver dysfunction can sometimes present with itching symptoms. Taoyuan General H...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps