Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Treatment of liver tumors? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my aunt. She is experiencing swelling and pain under her right rib cage, along with noticeable jaundice. After undergoing an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital, the results showed tumors in both lobes of her...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Pei, 1. If imaging studies and blood tests cannot confirm the tumor classification, a liver biopsy is necessary (but should be performed with caution). 2. After understanding the tumor classification and staging, treatment options will be recommended based on medi...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Stomach pain and right flank pain? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been suffering from stomach pain for a long time and have been diagnosed with gastritis. Two years ago, during a health check-up, I tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. I have undergone three gastroscopies (at differen...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Abdominal pain with no identifiable cause is often functional in nature and related to gastrointestinal motility, such as spasms. This condition is more likely to occur in individuals who are prone to anxiety, high work demands, or other significant stressors, or it may be associ...[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Unexplained Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
There is a sensation of a foreign body in the left abdominal area? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: About two years ago, I started experiencing a sensation of something foreign (possibly related to the kidney?) on the left side of my back, near the end of the rib ca...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
You are experiencing abnormal bowel movements, but feel more comfortable after passing gas, along with symptoms of abdominal burning. The most common cause could be irritable bowel syndrome. Given your family history of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to test your stool for oc...[Read More] Unexplained Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal bloating and lower abdominal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have a history of stomach pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen for about four years. Over the past four years, I have undergone regular gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound examinations, with results showing ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Easy: Based on the information provided, major diseases have mostly been ruled out (only colonoscopy and small bowel endoscopy have not been performed), so there should be no significant issues. You may discuss related medications and lifestyle adjustments with your phy...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options
Gallstones I discovered this two years after giving birth. At that time, I was experiencing unexplained back pain, which led to further examinations. A CT scan revealed that I had two types of stones, and my gallbladder wall was somewhat thick (I don't know how thick). The s...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague, so it is advisable to promptly visit a hepatobiliary specialist for a detailed examination. If it is indeed necessary to remove the gallbladder due to gallstones, it will not affect digestive function. Menstruation shou...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options
Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Questions after completing a six-month interferon treatment? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently completed 25 weeks of interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I have been undergoing regular follow-ups with blood tests and abdom...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang! Dear Doctor: I just completed a 25-week interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, so I have regular follow-ups every six months for blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Before the end of 2004, my liver func...[Read More] Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension? Recently, I have been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen, where it feels slightly swollen for a second or two, but there is no pain. This occurs about one to three times a day. After researching online, I found that one of the complications...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague. If the pain lasts only one or two seconds, it is probably not what you would refer to as cirrhosis. However, if you are still concerned, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist. Do you have jaundice? Is your liver fu...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
What tests should be conducted for hepatitis B carriers? I have been a carrier since birth due to my mother and am planning to go to the hospital for a check-up (this is my first time proactively seeking an examination). What specific tests should I request from the doctor to ens...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! You should at least know your e antigen, e antibody, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results.[Read More] Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Is an elevated AFP always indicative of a disease? I underwent a health check-up on August 15 of this year. My GOT was 10, GPT was 20, and I tested negative for both Hepatitis B and C. An abdominal ultrasound showed normal liver function. However, my AFP level was 10.8 (normal va...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. AFP is commonly used for screening hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis. An AFP level that remains elevated or exceeds 400 is significant, and in patients with cirrhosis, a level greater than 20 is also significant. 2. AFP is a protein that appears dur...[Read More] Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights
What precautions should carriers of hepatitis B take? Is there government assistance for testing? 1. I am 39 years old and was diagnosed as a carrier of Hepatitis B during childbirth in 1980. My two children received immunoglobulin within 24 hours of birth. From 1980 to 1995, my ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Q1: If immunoglobulin is administered within 24 hours after a child's birth, HBeAg may be positive, and there could be a diminished viral replication capacity. Liver function should be monitored, as it may change. Q2: It is advisable to first test for antigens and ...[Read More] Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights
Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
What should I do about gallstones? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been experiencing (suspected) stomach pain for many years due to work-related stress and irregular eating habits. About ten years ago, I suddenly had upper abdominal pain that radiated to my back, and each episode lasted at...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Although upper abdominal pain is more indicative of a gastric or duodenal ulcer, your symptoms radiating to the back suggest that it may be caused by gallstones or cholecystitis. Additionally, duodenal ulcers are more common in younger individuals, so your gastric ulcer is likely...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Surface Roughness: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Regarding roughness of the liver surface? Hello, doctor! At the beginning of June, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor informed me that my liver surface showed signs of roughness. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I had an abdominal ultrasound six months ago, during wh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Is the report provided by the same physician? If different physicians are involved, each may have their subjective opinions, leading to variations in interpretation. Therefore, it would be best to consult your attending physician. The roughness of the liver may be due to p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Surface Roughness: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Is CA72-4 a Reliable Cancer Marker? Understanding Your Test Results
Is CA74-4 really important? Hello, Doctor. Six months ago, I experienced stomach discomfort and blood tests revealed a Helicobacter pylori level of 132. The gastric cancer screening showed CEA at 0.93 and CA19-9 at 4.54, but CA72-4 was slightly elevated at 8.51 (normal value <...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: 1. Both gastric biopsy and breath tests have good sensitivity for detecting Helicobacter pylori. If both tests are negative, it is unlikely that there is an active Helicobacter pylori infection, unless you have recently taken antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors. If ser...[Read More] Is CA72-4 a Reliable Cancer Marker? Understanding Your Test Results
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes and Tumors
A concerning issue? Hello doctor, I went to the hospital for a blood test to check my liver function because I felt fatigued. I also had an abdominal ultrasound. The doctor said I do not have hepatitis B or C, but my liver enzymes are 299 and 69, which is a bit strange. Additiona...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Guoqiang: Liver biopsy is an important method to directly obtain liver (tumor) cells to confirm the cause of the condition. It has a high safety profile, so there is no need to worry. Please discuss the details with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes and Tumors
Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Questions about ultrasound? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I have experienced acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis in the past. Although my current liver function tests are normal, an abdominal ultrasound revealed roughness. Does this indicate the presence of ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello KKman: The progression of hepatitis is divided into five stages, with stage 0 being normal and stage 4 indicating cirrhosis. Generally, coarse findings (fibrosis) observed in ultrasound are typically seen in stages 1 to 3, but a biopsy is needed for confirmation. As long as...[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Seeking Answers for Unexplained Symptoms
Gastrointestinal discomfort? I am a 44-year-old male, and since July of last year, I have been experiencing the following symptoms: dull pain in the upper left abdomen (between the ribs and the navel, but pressing on it does not cause pain), bloating (gas is expelled both from th...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: I would like to know if you experience frequent bowel movements, have large stool volume, or if your stools are oily and float on the water's surface. If so, it may be necessary to consider issues related to the small intestine or pancreas, and further examination of ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Seeking Answers for Unexplained Symptoms
Understanding Appetite Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Tests
Loss of appetite Hello Dr. Lin, I have had a habit of drinking alcohol before bed for over 10 years, consuming about half a bottle of whisky per day. However, in the past six months, I have been suffering from pain (possibly rheumatic or neuropathic, but unclear). My appetite h...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes for decreased appetite and difficulty swallowing, including psychological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine disorders, liver and biliary diseases, and infections. Clinically, appropriate examinations can be arranged based on the possi...[Read More] Understanding Appetite Loss: When to Seek Further Medical Tests
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Your Husband's Discomfort
excuse me? My husband has been experiencing abdominal discomfort and bloating for several months now. Despite multiple visits to the family doctor, there has been no improvement. I'm not sure if it's related to his irregular eating habits or something else. He is very t...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Abdominal distension may be due to ascites, tumors, obesity, intestinal gas, or fecal impaction, among other causes. It is recommended that your husband consult a gastroenterologist. X-rays and abdominal ultrasound can help determine the underlying issue. Sincerely, Dr. Yu...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Your Husband's Discomfort