Understanding Cirrhosis and Liver Tumors: Treatment Options Explained
Cirrhosis Hello Dr. Chen, my father has had a stroke for over three years, and currently, he is experiencing abdominal ascites that is not resolving. The doctors suspect there may be liver-related diseases. Is there a chance for effective treatment for cirrhosis and liver tumors?...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen! The letter only mentions that the physician is still in the stage of suspicion regarding your father's liver condition and has not yet reached a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the extent of your father's illness based on the i...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis and Liver Tumors: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Chronic Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options
Chronic liver cancer Chronic liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a type of cancer that originates in the liver, often developing in individuals with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. Symptoms...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Liver cancer is inherently a chronic disease. Typically, there are no symptoms in the early stages. In the advanced stages, symptoms such as jaundice, liver failure, and ascites may occur. The treatment for liver cancer must be determined based on factors such as tumor size, numb...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options
Understanding Fatty Liver: High Enzyme Levels and Long-Term Risks
Fatty liver disease Hello Dr. Su, I recently had blood tests and my GOT and GPT levels were very high, close to 100 and 400 respectively. An ultrasound revealed that I have fatty liver, and I do not have hepatitis B or C. The doctor has prescribed medication. Can fatty liver ca...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The index for fatty liver is not that high. Cirrhosis or liver cancer typically develops after a prolonged period of poor liver function. Therefore, it is advisable for you to regularly consult a gastroenterologist for check-ups and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: High Enzyme Levels and Long-Term Risks
Understanding Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Liver cancer Hello, doctor. My older brother is 41 years old and has a habit of heavy drinking. Recently, he has been feeling very fatigued, has some abdominal swelling, experiences hard stools that are dark brown in color, and has a persistent fever that does not subside (38.5 d...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
If you wish to be referred to another hospital, please prepare your previous examination records to reduce the time for subsequent duplicate tests.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Treatments, and Myths Explained
Hepatitis I am 29 years old and recently discovered that I am a carrier of hepatitis B, with a positive HBeAg. My liver function tests are normal; total bilirubin is 1.3 mg/dL, direct bilirubin is 0.3 mg/dL, and an ultrasound showed a rough texture of the liver. The lab technicia...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to regularly monitor liver function and undergo ultrasound examinations. Your liver function is currently normal. Although HBeAg is positive, antiviral medication treatment is not advised. To date, there is no research or literature in traditional Chinese...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Treatments, and Myths Explained
Evaluating Liver Tumors: MRI Accuracy and Biopsy Risks Explained
Diagnosis of liver tumors? I underwent an ultrasound examination two weeks ago, which revealed a tumor approximately four centimeters in diameter. A subsequent CT scan could not determine whether it was a hemangioma or liver cancer (blood tests for GOT, GPT, and alpha-fetoprotein...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, liver tumors are often not diagnosable with a single imaging examination with 100% certainty. It is necessary to evaluate the characteristics of various tests or to use multiple examinations simultaneously for assessment. Of course, a biopsy for pathological or cytological...[Read More] Evaluating Liver Tumors: MRI Accuracy and Biopsy Risks Explained
Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal system issues? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent a health check-up, and the results are as follows: Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): 6.62 mg/ml (<6.0) Total Bilirubin: 1.1 mg/dl (0.1-1.2) Direct Bilirubin: 0.3 mg/dl (0.0-0.2) Total Pr...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
May I ask where your father had his health check-up and why he did not explain it clearly to you? Your father is a carrier of hepatitis B and needs regular follow-up treatment in the gastroenterology department. The elevated CEA levels are associated with smoking or adenocarcinom...[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Understanding Liver Health: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you about my previous symptoms of frequent fatigue and slightly yellowing of the sclera. I had a blood test done, but I don't quite understand the results, so I would like to consult you regarding the following issues: - WBC (...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! You have two issues. The first is chronic hepatitis C (HCV Ab positive) with significant liver inflammation (AST 101, ALT 221). You should seek medical attention at a large hospital's hepatology department as soon as possible, as you may require specific antiviral tre...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Risks and Family History Explained
Hepatitis B Dear Doctor, hello! What exactly is a "hepatitis B carrier"? Both of my parents died of liver cancer, and my mother seems to be a carrier of hepatitis B. Does this mean I am at a higher risk of getting it? Also, my lifestyle is not very good, as I tend to sl...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! In Taiwan, there are approximately three million carriers of hepatitis B. The term "hepatitis B carrier" refers to individuals who have the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which typically does not disappear throughout their lifetime. Hepatitis B patients can...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Risks and Family History Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Acute gastroenteritis vs. acute hepatitis (fulminant hepatitis) I apologize for any inconvenience, but I have some questions to ask you. Since liver cancer is one of the top ten causes of death in our country, are there any instruments available for early detection? Also, does ha...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! Hepatitis B or C is a risk factor for liver cancer. Therefore, if you are a chronic hepatitis B or C patient, you must undergo regular blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examinations. Only abdominal ultrasound can detect small liver cancers (approximately 0.5 cm or large...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Acute Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis
Understanding Liver Tumor Concerns: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers
excuse me? Hello Dr. Liang: I am a freshman in college and a carrier of hepatitis B (vertically transmitted). In my recent ultrasound and CT scan, a mass approximately 3 cm in size, suspected to be a tumor, was found. However, my blood tests showed alpha-fetoprotein at 1.2, liver...
Dr. Liang Jiade Reply:
Hello, during your ultrasound and CT scan, a suspicious mass was found. Tumors in the liver can be classified into two main categories: benign and malignant. Benign tumors include hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenomas, hyperplastic nodules, and focal steatosis, among o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Concerns: A Guide for Hepatitis B Carriers
Differentiating Between Liver Abscess and Liver Tumor: Key Insights
How to differentiate between liver abscess and liver tumor? My boyfriend was diagnosed with liver cancer by the attending physician during an ultrasound at National Taiwan University Hospital, with a tumor approximately 9 centimeters in size. However, after being hospitalized and...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Hello IRENE: Dr. Tsai Chun-Yen has been busy recently, assisted by Director Chen Ching-Pin from the Health Education Department. Liver abscesses are generally caused by microbial infections. There are many types of liver tumors, including both benign and malignant forms. Typicall...[Read More] Differentiating Between Liver Abscess and Liver Tumor: Key Insights
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Coverage Options
I would like to have a health check-up? Hello, I discovered that I have hepatitis B when I donated blood six years ago. I would like to undergo further testing; how should I proceed? I heard that in October, health insurance covers the costs for hepatitis B. What treatment option...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is classified into three stages: healthy carriers (where liver inflammation markers, such as GPT, remain within normal limits), chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Healthy carriers do not require treatment but should be monitored regularly, as they remain at high...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Coverage Options
Managing Chronic Persistent Hepatitis: Key Considerations and Risks
Chronic persistent hepatitis Hello Dr. Yang, 20 years ago (when I was 18) I had a hepatitis examination when I started college. The doctor diagnosed me with "chronic persistent hepatitis" and advised me to pay attention to my health. I had regular check-ups during my 6-...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is divided into three stages. The first stage is healthy carriers, where the liver inflammation markers are within normal ranges, and medication is not required. However, regular blood tests and ultrasounds are necessary, as the risk of liver cancer remains hig...[Read More] Managing Chronic Persistent Hepatitis: Key Considerations and Risks
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Enzymes and Symptoms
Liver Hello, doctor! On May 25, 2003, I had a blood test showing GOT 50 and GPT 109. I have hepatitis B and was given a one-month supply of medication to take home (brown, 2 cm long soft gel capsules with a strong taste). I would like to ask... Recently, I often feel a tightness ...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello: Seventy percent of hepatitis cases are asymptomatic, unless it is acute hepatitis (with GPT levels exceeding 500), which may lead to fatigue or loss of appetite. Therefore, the symptoms you described may be related to gastrointestinal issues or emotional stress, and are no...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Enzymes and Symptoms
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Carrier Status: Key Insights and Next Steps
excuse me? Hello, doctor. I have a few questions to ask you. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular check-ups. This is my report from last month. Could you please explain what it means? I only know that I have hepatitis but I'm not sure which type of carrier I am. I ...
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Hello, gentleman: Hepatitis B carriers can be classified into healthy carriers and unhealthy carriers. If liver function and ultrasound results have been normal for more than six months, one can be considered a healthy carrier. Based on your description, you should be classified ...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Carrier Status: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding HBsAg: Military Eligibility and Work Restrictions
HBsAg (Hepatitis Hello: I have been HBsAg positive for nearly 10 years, HBeAg negative, and ALT normal. 1. Can I enlist in the military? 2. What types of jobs are not allowed? 3. How can I make HBsAg turn negative?
Dr. Cai Junyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Lee: As a carrier of Hepatitis B (HBsAg+), if you are HBeAg negative and have had normal liver function tests for over six months, you are classified as a healthy carrier and can generally perform all types of work. However, you should not donate blood to prevent the ri...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg: Military Eligibility and Work Restrictions
Is There Really No Medication for Fatty Liver Disease?
Is there really no medication for fatty liver disease? Hello. My father has been informed by his doctor that he has fatty liver disease. However, the doctor did not prescribe any medication and told my father that there is no medication to treat fatty liver. Is this true? If ther...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Reply: Fatty liver is usually diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound, which reveals fat accumulation in the liver. The most common cause is obesity, followed by alcohol consumption. The severity of fatty liver can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe; the more severe the co...[Read More] Is There Really No Medication for Fatty Liver Disease?
Assessing Medical Oversight: A Case Study of Jaundice Diagnosis in Hepatitis B
請提供您想詢問的內容，我將協助您進行翻譯。 I would like to ask how other physicians would diagnose a patient during their first visit on October 12. Does this constitute medical negligence? The patient, Xu Zhanwei, a 23-year-old male senior student, was confirmed to be a carrier of hepatitis B two ye...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello! First, I must clarify that I am not a member of the Medical Evaluation Committee and do not have the authority to determine whether a physician has committed medical malpractice. Furthermore, I was not present during the consultation between the doctor and the patient, so ...[Read More] Assessing Medical Oversight: A Case Study of Jaundice Diagnosis in Hepatitis B
Understanding Hepatitis B: Prevention, Treatment, and Family Safety
Hepatitis B I have a relative who contracted hepatitis B from donating blood when he was young. What should he do for prevention and treatment in the future? Is there a vaccine that can cure it? What precautions should he take? Can his family members be infected?
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Hello Judy! Among hepatitis B carriers, some individuals may eventually progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Therefore, it is essential to undergo regular blood tests and abdominal ultrasound examinations, and to receive appropriate treatment when necessary, with the goal ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Prevention, Treatment, and Family Safety