Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
An elevated AFP level of 13 and a 0.6 cm nodule may raise concerns for liver cancer, but further evaluation is necessary. It is important to consider additional factors such as imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and possibly a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Risk factors for liver cancer include individuals with chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and autoimmune liver diseases), a family history of liver cancer, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, obesity with metabolic liver disease, and certain environmental factors su...[Read More] Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
Managing Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis Patients: Key Insights
Cerebral changes caused by liver cirrhosis (hepatic encephalopathy) Hello Doctor, my father has been suffering from cirrhosis for many years. Last year, he experienced hepatic encephalopathy, and later it was discovered that he has hepatocellular carcinoma (which has been ablated...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If necessary, an earlier follow-up appointment can be scheduled. The dosage of the laxative can be increased to achieve three bowel movements per week, and protein intake should be monitored. If needed, discuss other strategies with the attending physician.[Read More] Managing Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis Patients: Key Insights
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns
Gallbladder polyp measuring 0.4 cm, multiple hepatic cysts with the largest measuring 5 cm? I have been feeling unusually fatigued and uncomfortable during sleep for over six months, and I sometimes wake up due to this discomfort. Additionally, I have experienced bowel movements ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is recommended to conduct blood tests to assess liver and gallbladder function in cases of white stool. Differential diagnoses include hepatitis, anemia, and obstructive jaundice. Gallbladder polyps should be monitored for size and morphology. As for multiple intrahepatic cyst...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Liver Cysts: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Liver Nodules and Calcifications: Are They the Same?
Liver lesions and calcifications? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if hepatic nodular hyperplasia and calcifications in the liver are the same thing? If the fetal protein level is elevated at 17 and there are calcifications in the liver without hepatitis B or C, could this pote...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Nodules and calcifications should be considered different/unrelated. Elevated fetal protein levels are assessed by a gastroenterologist who monitors changes in values and conducts follow-up with ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules and Calcifications: Are They the Same?
Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Liver and Gallbladder Health
Ultrasound Interpretation 1. Liver: (1) INCREASED ECHOGENICITY (2) ONE FOCAL SPARING AREA (3.3X1.6CM) IN THE RIGHT LOBE (3) TWO CALCIFIED AREAS (2.5CM, 0.8CM) IN THE RIGHT LOBE 2. IHD: NO DILATATION 3. CBD: NO DILATATION 4. GB: SMALL POLYPS 5. PV system: NO ENLARGEMENT 6. Pancrea...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Small polyps are not abnormal, and their angle can influence their appearance. Localized areas without fat are a common ultrasound finding and are not considered abnormal.[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Liver and Gallbladder Health
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Liver Health
The fetal protein index is elevated? In September of this year, I underwent a comprehensive physical examination with the following results: GOT/31, GPT/61.8, R-GT/66, AFP/13.3. Based on the report, I was advised to go to the hospital for further evaluation. In early October, the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to discuss further with the attending physician, including screening for testicular cancer.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Liver Health
Understanding MRI Findings: Assessing Liver Lesions After HCC Surgery
MRI Report Several years ago, a family member underwent surgery for liver cancer and recovered well, with follow-ups every three months. Recently, a CT scan indicated a gray shadow on the liver, prompting the doctor to order blood tests and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) exam...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The report indicates a recurrence of liver cancer; please discuss this with the attending physician for their assessment.[Read More] Understanding MRI Findings: Assessing Liver Lesions After HCC Surgery
Understanding Cystic Lesions in the Upper Abdomen: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist
Chest CT shows a cyst in the upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. I just had a chest CT, and I saw a statement in the report that says: "Two cystic mass-like lesions in the upper abdomen (Se2 Im122) up to 11 cm. Suggest abdominal CT with contrast for further evaluation." Howev...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It seems that the default report text was forgotten to be updated. After undergoing an ultrasound, regular follow-up (approximately once a year) is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Cystic Lesions in the Upper Abdomen: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Concerns for Hepatitis B Patients
Questions related to abdominal ultrasound examination? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Today, during my health check-up, I had an abdominal ultrasound. The doctor indicated that there are some white spots on the liver surface, with one larger spot measuring 0.6 cm. I...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
It is recommended to closely monitor and only perform a biopsy if there is a suspicion of malignancy, as small lesions may not be adequately sampled. Pancreatic and hepatic cysts are generally benign. If they are not too large or causing compression or complications, monitoring i...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Concerns for Hepatitis B Patients
Does Hepatitis C Treatment Affect Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Does hepatitis C treatment affect the glomerular filtration rate? My father is 75 years old and has three high conditions, which are currently managed with medication. He started taking Epclusa for hepatitis C on July 5th of this year. Before starting the medication, his glomerul...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Will hepatitis C treatment medications affect glomerular filtration rate? According to the prescribing information for Epclusa, no dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with any degree of renal impairment, including those requiring dialysis. The medications may slightly aff...[Read More] Does Hepatitis C Treatment Affect Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Understanding Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Causes and Follow-Up Care
Ultrasound shows intrahepatic bile duct dilation? In September of last year, an ultrasound during a health check at the hospital showed mild dilatation of the common bile duct, measuring up to 0.8 cm in diameter. In June of this year, a follow-up ultrasound was arranged at the ou...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
You can visit the hospital's hepatology and gastroenterology outpatient clinic for a more detailed explanation.[Read More] Understanding Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Causes and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. In 2021, I had a health check-up, and at that time, my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were elevated. Three months later, I had another blood test, and those levels were normal. This year, during my ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no correlation and it does not affect health. If there is no hepatitis B, the principle is to follow the general health check-up guidelines (for those over 40 years old, once every two years).[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis I would like to ask the doctor about the abdominal ultrasound examination during a health check-up, which revealed mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis, but liver function tests are normal. Should I go for a follow-up outpatient examination? Is fibr...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Regarding liver parenchymal lesions, follow-up is recommended. Is liver fibrosis reversible? Identifying the cause of fibrosis is essential for targeted treatment. Conditions such as viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, D), alcoholic or metabolic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Kidney Health
Abdominal ultrasound Hello, my mother underwent an ultrasound examination, and the results were unclear. The interpretation of the imaging report on the National Health Insurance app is difficult to understand, so I would like to inquire about any important points to note. Thank ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Pay attention to the aging/degradation of the kidneys; it is advisable to have a blood test for kidney function assessment.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Kidney Health
Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Key Considerations for Patients
Mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis The health check shows mild hepatic parenchymal fibrosis, but liver function is normal, and there is no hepatitis B or C. What should the physician pay attention to?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you do not have hepatitis B or C, and you do not have a habit of excessive drinking, misuse of medications, or other unhealthy lifestyle habits, there is no need to worry too much; this is a normal change that comes with aging. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Understanding Mild Liver Fibrosis: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Growth Rate Insights
Please ask questions regarding hepatic hemangiomas? 1. The dynamic liver triphasic imaging protocol refers to a specialized computed tomography (CT) imaging technique used to evaluate liver lesions. This protocol involves obtaining images of the liver at three different phases af...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mrs. Hong! It is advisable to consult your attending physician regarding the report. The development of hepatic hemangiomas varies depending on individual health conditions. Generally, after the initial discovery, a follow-up should be conducted three months later. If there...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Growth Rate Insights
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Pancreatic cysts and hepatic hemangioma? Due to the abdominal X-ray report indicating an opaque nodule, I recently went to the hospital for further examination. An abdominal ultrasound revealed: 1. Fatty liver, 2. A small cyst on the pancreas, and 3. A hemangioma in the liver. Th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: There are no symptoms, and blood tests are normal. The doctor recommends regular follow-up every three to six months. Essentially, there is a hepatic hemangioma and a simple cyst in the pancreas, both of which are benign lesions. The number and size of these lesions are un...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts and Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Managing Rapidly Growing Liver Cysts: Treatment Options and Concerns
A liver cyst has grown to 3.7 cm over the course of four years? Recently, a health check revealed that a liver cyst has grown from over 1 cm four years ago to now 3.7 cm, located centrally near the bile duct (not connected). The growth rate seems rapid, and it will inevitably nee...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Simple hepatic cysts (bubbles) generally do not present symptoms and do not require treatment. It is important to determine whether the hepatic cyst is solitary or multiple, and whether it is a simple cyst or a complex cyst. Complex cysts refer to those with thick walls, containi...[Read More] Managing Rapidly Growing Liver Cysts: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Hypoechoic Nodules and Mild Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Hypoechoic liver nodule / Mild fatty liver disease Hello doctor, I recently had a routine health check-up, and after an abdominal ultrasound, a nodule (2.02 cm) was found in the right lobe of my liver (a hypoechoic nodule). I have mild fatty liver, and my AFP and AST levels are n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Need to discuss with the attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Hypoechoic Nodules and Mild Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?
I have fatty liver disease? I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver during a recent health check-up. Does this mean I have cirrhosis or hepatitis? Can appropriate exercise help eliminate this condition? I've been experiencing bloating and frequent burping lately; is this rel...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, cirrhosis indicates severe liver fibrosis, which may lead to impaired liver function. In severe cases, symptoms may include jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding from esophageal varices. Fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of triglyce...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis?