Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Chen. I would like to ask you about some recent health issues. I've been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen, located roughly on the right side of my belly, which usually lasts about an hour and is tolerable. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello David, 1. Please check for any right kidney/ureter stones. 2. A stool occult blood test should be performed. 3. If symptoms persist, a non-invasive colonoscopy or related examinations should be conducted, as determined by a specialist. 4. Ultrasound can visualize the l...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Abdominal discomfort with alternating diarrhea and constipation? Hello, Doctor. I have had poor dietary habits and been overweight. Since February, I have suddenly experienced left abdominal pain (which seems to be cramping pain), and then gastrointestinal issues began. Initially...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: According to your description, being overweight and having poor dietary habits, along with discomfort in the left abdomen, if it is in the upper left abdomen, may indicate gastric issues. The limited abdominal space, if occupied by intra-abdominal fat, can compress the nor...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Accuracy of Liver Biopsy: Impact of Sampling Location on Diagnosis
What is the accuracy of liver biopsy? Hello Dr. Chen: I have fatty liver and have undergone a liver biopsy. The biopsy was performed on a 1.2 cm unknown tumor, but the needle was not inserted directly into the center of the tumor; it was placed nearby (as the physician was concer...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The main focus of liver biopsy is to accurately obtain the target tissue. It is generally performed under ultrasound guidance, and with the advancements in current instruments, the accuracy is quite high, at least over 90%. As for the biopsy results, as long as they are be...[Read More] Accuracy of Liver Biopsy: Impact of Sampling Location on Diagnosis
Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
About Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for asking again after my previous questions. Thank you for your response. My father is 61 years old and has recently been diagnosed with fatty liver and a 1.2 cm indeterminate liver tumor. However, his liver fun...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The most common benign tumors of the liver are hemangiomas or liver cysts, which can usually be diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, the main recommendation is to monitor the condition (generally advised ...[Read More] Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
Steroid Medications and Their Link to Fatty Liver Disease
Steroid medications and fatty liver disease? Hello Dr. Chen! I would like to ask if taking corticosteroids can easily lead to the development of fatty liver disease?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, long-term use of medium to high doses of corticosteroids can lead to fatty liver and may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Please discuss this with your prescribing physician and ensure regular follow-ups. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. D...[Read More] Steroid Medications and Their Link to Fatty Liver Disease
Understanding Unidentified Liver Tumors: Risks and Insights for Patients
A tumor of unclear origin on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my father (61 years old). He recently underwent examinations and was diagnosed with fatty liver, and a 1.2 cm tumor was found on the surface of his liver. However, both ultrasound an...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the information above, there is a high possibility of a hepatic lipoma, hepatic cyst, or hepatic hemangioma. These are likely benign tumors, as they are often not spherical, which may result in some discrepancies when measured from different angles. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Tumors: Risks and Insights for Patients
Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
An unknown foreign object has developed on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask about my father who is 61 years old. He was recently diagnosed with fatty liver (with normal liver enzymes), but there is a 1 cm unidentified mass on the surface of his liver. ...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
In clinical practice, the diagnosis of "fatty liver" refers to the condition where the weight of fat (primarily triglycerides) accumulated in the liver exceeds 5% of the total liver weight, or when more than 10% of liver cells in a liver tissue biopsy exhibit fatty vacu...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Lesions in Fatty Liver Patients
Differences Between ERCP and MRCP: What You Need to Know
What are the differences between ERCP and MRCP examinations? I have been experiencing pain in my right upper abdomen for 3 to 4 years. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, MRCP, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, small bowel endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and endoscopic ult...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Peter, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is an invasive procedure. It involves inserting an endoscope, similar to a gastroscope, through the mouth into the duodenal ampulla. A thin catheter is then used to inject contrast dye into the openings ...[Read More] Differences Between ERCP and MRCP: What You Need to Know
When is ERCP Recommended for Abdominal Pain and Pancreatic Cysts?
What are the indications for using ERCP? I have been experiencing pain in my upper right abdomen for 3 to 4 years. I have undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound, which only showed fatty liver. My bowel movements are normal, and blood tests indicate norm...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: ERCP is an invasive procedure with a small risk of causing pancreatitis. If there has been a history of pancreatitis leading to a pancreatic pseudocyst, it is generally not recommended to undergo ERCP, unless absolutely necessary or if the pseudocyst has been resolved. Wis...[Read More] When is ERCP Recommended for Abdominal Pain and Pancreatic Cysts?
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Right Upper Discomfort
Please, doctor, help me with my long-standing abdominal pain? Symptoms: I feel a dull pain in the upper right abdomen all day, whether sitting or standing, as if there is a heavy object pressing down. I can't tolerate it after sitting or standing for too long, and it doesn&#...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. For asymptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts, it is recommended to have regular follow-ups to observe if they will resolve on their own. 2. Regarding the right upper quadrant pain, with only elevated ACP and VGT, and multiple tests yielding no definitive results, ERCP could ...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Right Upper Discomfort
Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
Dull pain below the right rib cage? Hello Doctor, since last month, I have been experiencing pain under my left rib. It becomes uncomfortable when I sit, but standing is fine. I feel better when I wake up after sleeping. The first doctor took an X-ray, which showed no fractures o...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pain under the left rib cage, left abdominal pain, pain under the right rib cage, and right abdominal pain for several days. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for further examination. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General Hospi...[Read More] Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Abnormal Blood and Urine Test Results in Liver Health
Regarding blood and urine test results? In the year 2012, a health check-up was conducted, and the results suggested the following follow-up: weight loss (44 kg/160 cm), low white blood cell count, positive urine protein, weakly positive urine ketones, positive urine bilirubin, e...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. For chronic hepatitis B carriers with abnormal liver function, regular follow-up is necessary. 2. If there are symptoms of jaundice, such as intermittent high indirect bilirubin, it may sometimes be necessary to check for hemolytic anemia, G6PD deficiency, and other con...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood and Urine Test Results in Liver Health
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: What You Need to Know
GOT is normal, while GPT is elevated? Hello, doctor. My brother underwent a military physical examination at your hospital last September, and the report indicated that his GOT levels were normal, but his GPT was elevated at 98. He returned for a follow-up examination on February...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Ms. Peko. 1. If you have a higher body weight, fatty liver should be addressed by first losing weight and confirming with an ultrasound. 2. Other potential causes such as medications and alcohol must also be ruled out. Dr. Chen Shidian from Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Serum Transaminases: Causes and Solutions
Serum transaminases The blood donation center report indicates that my serum transaminase level is 93, which is elevated. However, I went to bed around 2 AM the night before donating blood. What are the effects of elevated transaminase levels on the body, and how can I improve th...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
The measurement of serum transaminases (GPT, GOT) is used to assess whether liver cells are damaged. Normal serum transaminase levels are generally below 40 units. There are many causes for elevated serum ALT levels, primarily including alcohol abuse, medication use, intense exer...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Serum Transaminases: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Sudden Increase of Liver Hemangiomas: A Patient's Concern
Hepatic hemangioma proliferation issues? Hello, doctor. I discovered a hemangioma about 3 cm in size during my health checkup two years ago. This year, my checkup revealed four liver tumors (three new ones), including the one that has grown to 3.5 cm. I asked the screening physic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. RL: Based on your description, if you suddenly have three additional vascular tumors larger than 1.5 cm within a year, we recommend that you arrange for a contrast-enhanced CT scan at a nearby large hospital to further confirm whether they are indeed vascular tumors....[Read More] Understanding the Sudden Increase of Liver Hemangiomas: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Hepatic hemangioma and fatty liver disease? During a health check-up, an ultrasound examination revealed a hepatic hemangioma. After consulting another clinic, the results showed four hemangiomas (approximately 1 cm each) and fatty liver (weight 50 kg). The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If it is fatty liver and hemangioma, then indeed, follow up as indicated in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36394">#36394</a>. There are many causes of fatty liver, with common ones including obesity, high blood lipids (triglycerides), poorly cont...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Liver Health
Chronic disease syndrome Hello, Dr. Lin. Is there a connection between diabetes and the liver?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Diabetic patients are prone to fatty liver, which is related to insulin resistance. A large amount of carbohydrates is converted into fat in the body and stored in liver cells, leading to the development of fatty liver. Wishing you health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Liver Health
Understanding Spontaneous Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Peritonitis caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, which is caused by fatty liver disease. I have been undergoing regular check-ups at the hospital for the past six months. Due to the accumulation of fluid, the situation has improve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: In patients with cirrhosis and ascites, intestinal bacteria can penetrate the intestinal wall and gradually enter the ascitic fluid, proliferating and causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. It is advised to limit the intake of raw foods and manage ascites to reduce the...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Related Conditions
Questions about gastric ulcers? My first episode was at the emergency department of Min-Sheng Hospital (symptoms: chills, shivering, and weakness). After receiving IV fluids for one night, I went home. The second time, I went to the emergency department of Chang Gung Hospital (sy...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Su: Based on your symptoms, such as persistent chills and shivering, it may indicate an infection or a rheumatologic/immunological condition. Additionally, the accompanying weight loss could suggest a more serious underlying issue. It is advisable to promptly consult a ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Related Conditions
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health
Elevated r-GT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) levels? Today, I had a medical examination where my results showed GOT at 50, GPT at 59, total bilirubin at 1.54, uric acid at 7.4, and total cholesterol at 213, with all other values normal. I am also not a carrier of hepatitis B or C. ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated r-GT and GPT levels indicate liver inflammation, with fatty liver being a common clinical cause. Fatty liver may be associated with alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or exposure to chemicals. It is recommended to address the underlying causes...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health