Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Hepatic hemangioma If a tumor has been found on the liver and initial tests suggest it is a benign tumor (hemangioma), should I undergo further testing to confirm that it is indeed a hemangioma, or should I follow the doctor's recommendation to return for follow-up every thr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. May, Hepatic hemangiomas are quite common, and physicians should have the experience to diagnose them. As long as you continue with regular follow-ups, if there are any changes, the physician will advise whether surgery is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Cirrhosis Dear Vice President Tsai, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, thank you. 1. What are the causes of liver nodules? Does the presence of liver nodules indicate the presence of liver cirrhosis? 2. Can liver cirrhosis be detected through ultrasound? 3. If the ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Cirrhosis can be detected through ultrasound, which may appear coarse; however, the liver does not necessarily exhibit signs of fibrosis. The definition of cirrhosis involves hepatocyte necrosis, with the remaining liver cells regenerating to form nodular structures surrounded by...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Understanding Hemangiomas: Risks, Dietary Considerations, and Management
Hemangioma Is there any harm in not removing a hemangioma? Should dietary considerations or other issues be taken into account?
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: If it is a hepatic hemangioma, generally no treatment is required, and it will not have any adverse effects. A diet similar to that of a normal person is acceptable. However, it is still recommended to have regular follow-ups, and if there are no changes, you can be reassu...[Read More] Understanding Hemangiomas: Risks, Dietary Considerations, and Management
Post-Cholecystectomy: Understanding Long-Term Effects and Dietary Concerns
Is there no problem after gallbladder and common bile duct removal? Recently, I underwent a cholecystectomy and common bile duct resection with jejunal anastomosis due to a cyst in the common bile duct complicated by stones (the doctor mentioned that a segment of the small intest...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Due to the resection of the common bile duct, the hepatic duct is directly connected to the intestine. This results in the loss of the protective function and sphincter control of the original bile duct, theoretically increasing the risk of intestinal contents ...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy: Understanding Long-Term Effects and Dietary Concerns
Understanding Hemangiomas in the Gallbladder: Symptoms and Concerns
There is a hemangioma in the gallbladder? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B (vertically transmitted). During a routine check-up, a hemangioma was found in my liver, measuring 2 centimeters. I would like to ask... what kind of discomfort might I experience? What symptoms should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Most intrahepatic tumors are asymptomatic, with only a few presenting abdominal pain. 2. The etiology of hemangiomas is unknown, and they may also occur in other locations. 3. I'm not sure if you are referring to a tumor near the liver or one within the gall...[Read More] Understanding Hemangiomas in the Gallbladder: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?
What is a hyperrechoic nodule? Ultrasound examination revealed two hyperechoic nodules, one old (0.7 cm) and one newly detected (2 cm). AFP level is 2.6. A request was made for a CT scan, but the physician stated it was unnecessary and that monitoring is sufficient. Should I seek...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
A hyperechoic nodule refers to a finding on ultrasound examination that appears brighter than the surrounding liver parenchyma. The causes are numerous, including intrahepatic bile duct stones, vascular wall calcification, hepatic hemangiomas, and even early-stage liver tumors, a...[Read More] Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Liver Cancer Surgery: Recovery, Survival Rates, and Recurrence
Liver cancer I would like to ask if liver cancer resection can lead to a quick recovery and how likely it is to experience complications after the surgery. What is the survival rate after resection? Is there a high percentage of cancer metastasis? There are symptoms present, but ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, if liver cancer is completely resected and there are no complications, one can quickly return to normal life; however, recurrence is common. The one-year survival rate after resection is approximately 78%, and the five-year survival rate is 43% (according to data from Taip...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Surgery: Recovery, Survival Rates, and Recurrence
Understanding Unexplained Pain: Seeking Answers for Abdominal Discomfort
I am troubled by unexplained pain? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been experiencing a dull pain in the lower right back for three months. The pain also occurs when I contract my abdomen and when I lean backward. I visited the nephrology department at Mackay Memorial Hospi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Pain in the lower right flank may involve various organs, including muscles, nerves, kidneys, retroperitoneal space, urinary tract, intestines, uterus, and ovaries. 2. It is advisable for hepatitis B carriers to undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examination...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain: Seeking Answers for Abdominal Discomfort
Understanding Ascites in Cirrhosis: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Ascites caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello, doctor! My mother-in-law has been suffering from cirrhosis for many years, and in recent years, she has started to experience fluid accumulation, requiring drainage every one to two weeks. She hardly takes the medications prescribed by th...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, there are several surgical options for managing ascites due to cirrhosis: 1. The definitive treatment is a liver transplant. 2. If the focus is solely on managing the ascites, one option may involve placing a catheter in the peritoneal cavity to drain the fluid into the la...[Read More] Understanding Ascites in Cirrhosis: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Distinction from Small Liver Cancers
Hepatic hemangioma Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between hepatic hemangiomas and small hepatocellular carcinoma found online, it has been mentioned that experienced physicians have a diagnostic accuracy of over 90% for hepatic hemangiomas. Could you please clarify if ty...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, tumors can present with both typical and atypical features. Generally speaking, an experienced physician can identify typical changes of hemangiomas, which would make them more likely to be diagnosed as hemangiomas. However, hemangiomas also require monitoring over ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Distinction from Small Liver Cancers
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Liver issues? Hello! I had a health check-up at the hospital last week, and the results indicated that my liver enzymes are elevated. What could be the possible reasons for this? Are there dietary factors or other issues that might contribute to elevated liver enzyme levels?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes generally refer to high levels of GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT). Common causes in Taiwan include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and drug or alcohol abuse. Additionally, other conditions such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune issues...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Liver enzyme levels have consistently been elevated? Hello Doctor: I am 26 years old, and I have had normal health check-ups before university. However, since my university entrance examination, my liver enzymes GPT and GOT have been slightly elevated above normal values. Since t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the common reasons for elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels include hepatitis B and C, drug-induced fatty liver, and autoimmune diseases. A small portion of cases may have unknown causes not related to the currently known hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E). If the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Understanding Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Treatment Options and Risks
My father developed fulminant hepatitis after taking anti-tuberculosis medication! Hello Dr. Hsu, my father does not have hepatitis B, but the doctor is now recommending treatment with Zeffix (at his own expense) because his ALT was previously over 1000. Is it necessary for him t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. Your first question is unclear. If there is no hepatitis B, why is there a need to take Gan An Neng? Is there some information missing? 2. Plasma exchange therapy is only a temporary measure to replace the liver's function of clearing bilirubin and other harmful su...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Treatment Options and Risks
Understanding Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Families Facing Liver Challenges
Please provide information about fulminant hepatitis? My father is currently 60 years old and has autoimmune disease and is a carrier of hepatitis B. Two years ago, he experienced polymyositis due to autoimmune issues and has been on long-term steroid treatment (three pills). He ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, currently your father's condition seems to be characterized by ongoing liver function failure, with persistent jaundice and abnormal coagulation function, showing no significant improvement. The current treatments (such as diuretics, plasma transfusions, and ammonia r...[Read More] Understanding Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Families Facing Liver Challenges
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What You Need to Know
What are the antibodies for hepatitis B? If a blood test shows that there are no antibodies for hepatitis B, it does not necessarily mean that you are a carrier of the virus. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. In terms of ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The absence of antibodies indicates a lack of immunity to hepatitis B, which means there is a possibility of contracting hepatitis B in the future, but currently, there is no hepatitis B infection. To confirm whether there is hepatitis B, the surface antigen test should be...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What You Need to Know
Managing Hepatitis B Carriers: Follow-Up Care and Ultrasound Insights
Hepatitis B carrier You need to have a follow-up abdominal ultrasound after three months and return for a check-up in two months. It has been found that you have a vascular tumor. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what steps I should take next.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the hepatitis B carrier has been found to have intrahepatic nodules, suspected to be hemangiomas. It is advisable to check the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood to see if they are elevated. If the results are abnormal, there is still a possibility of hepatocellul...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Carriers: Follow-Up Care and Ultrasound Insights
What to Do About a Liver Hemangioma: Health Considerations
What should be done about a hepatic hemangioma? Dear Dr. Hsu: During a recent health check-up, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a hepatic hemangioma, which was confirmed by a CT scan measuring 1.7 cm. An electrocardiogram also indicated the presence of sinus bradycardia. I would ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei! After examination, it has been confirmed that you have a hepatic hemangioma. A hepatic hemangioma is a benign tumor that does not affect liver function and does not transform into malignant tissue. Therefore, regular monitoring is sufficient, and no treatment is n...[Read More] What to Do About a Liver Hemangioma: Health Considerations
Understanding Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Dietary Tips, and Supplements
Cirrhosis My father has been suffering from liver cirrhosis for many years, and it has been under control. However, recently I noticed that his face has become dark, and I'm unsure why this is happening. Additionally, how can he prevent complications from the disease? What f...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! The letter mentions whether "darkening of the face" is related to liver cirrhosis. Based on the information in the letter, it is not possible to assess this; darkening of the face is not necessarily related to liver cirrhosis. I wonder if your father has had his ...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Dietary Tips, and Supplements
Understanding Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Your Concerns Addressed
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again, but I would like to discuss the following issues and hope you can spare some time to help me. Thank you. 1. I had an ultrasound examination that showed my liver appearing hyperechoic, and the examining physician dia...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, 1. Your test report shows elevated liver enzymes with Anti-HBc IgG(+) and HCV Ab(-), but it does not include HBsAg and HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody), so we cannot determine if you are currently a carrier or if you have antibodies. Anti-HBc IgG(+) only ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Dietary Tips and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Hepatic hemangioma Question 1: What should patients with hepatic hemangiomas pay attention to? Are there any dietary recommendations for improvement? Question 2: If someone experiences continuous stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, to the point where even walking causes stomac...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas are benign tumors, but they are generally not biopsied or surgically removed to confirm their benign nature. Therefore, physicians usually recommend regular monitoring and will decide on further management based on any changes observed. Ther...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Dietary Tips and Gastrointestinal Concerns