Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Adults
A long-standing issue? At 21 years old, with a height of 170 cm and a weight of 65 kg, I seem to be experiencing a trend of weight gain. 1. Constipation: This symptom started intermittently at the beginning of last year and became severe in March of this year, often resulting i...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
(1) Based on the symptoms you described, your issue appears to be related to gastrointestinal dysfunction, commonly referred to as dyspepsia. The fundamental approach to resolving this should involve several aspects. Firstly, dietary changes are essential; you must avoid irritant...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Adults
Effective Strategies to Prevent Liver Disease in Seniors
How to prevent liver disease? Hello Dr. Yang: My parents are both around 60 years old. They recently underwent a health check-up, and both have liver-related issues, such as fatty liver. My mother is also a carrier of hepatitis B. What should I do to help improve their condition?...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
Liver disease is a major health issue in Taiwan, with nearly 1 in 5 people being carriers of hepatitis B and over 1 in 4 having fatty liver disease. The prognosis and severity of these two conditions differ significantly and should be discussed separately. Hepatitis B carriers ca...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Prevent Liver Disease in Seniors
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B? My friend had a health check-up at school, and I saw that in the section for Hepatitis B, it mentioned "if positive reaction." I'm not sure what this means.
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
This indicates that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus. Patients with this condition have a high risk of developing liver cancer, so please undergo an ultrasound examination every three months.[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fatty Liver: Concerns About Liver Cancer Risks and Diagnosis
Fatty liver disease Hello Dr. Yang, In March, I experienced occasional sharp pain and discomfort in my right upper abdomen. Given my family history, where my uncle and his two sons passed away due to liver cancer, I was concerned about a hereditary risk for liver cancer. Theref...
Dr. Yang Peizhen Reply:
In response to the questions you raised, my answers are as follows: (1) Although alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is considered a marker for liver cancer, it specifically pertains to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Approximately two-thirds of small HCC cases have AFP levels within the nor...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Concerns About Liver Cancer Risks and Diagnosis
Are Birth Control Pills Safe for Long-Term Use in Acne Treatment?
Is long-term use of contraceptive pills or menstrual regulation medications for treating acne harmful to the liver or kidneys, or does it have other side effects? My skin is very oily and prone to acne. Recently, I visited a dermatology clinic, and the doctor recommended taking h...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hepatitis B carriers not only have the potential to transmit the virus to others, but the virus can also remain dormant within liver cells, potentially leading to chronic hepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver cancer. Therefore, due to the possibility of ...[Read More] Are Birth Control Pills Safe for Long-Term Use in Acne Treatment?
Why Does Jaundice Increase During Photon Knife Treatment for Liver Cancer?
Why does jaundice increase during photon knife treatment for liver cancer? Why does jaundice increase during photon knife treatment for liver cancer?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The photon knife and embolization can both treat liver cancer, but they can also cause damage to the normal liver tissue, which may worsen pre-existing liver cirrhosis and liver function. Jaundice, usually after excluding obstructive conditions, may indicate deterioration of live...[Read More] Why Does Jaundice Increase During Photon Knife Treatment for Liver Cancer?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Transmission, and Related Infections
Hepatitis B Is there a medication for it? Is it contagious? Is there currently an outbreak of colds that can cause fever due to throat inflammation? Please provide me with answers, thank you.
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
The main causes of death from hepatitis B are acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the majority of patient deaths are due to: 1. a lack of understanding of the disease's progression, which includes not realizing they are infected or knowing they are infecte...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, Transmission, and Related Infections
Understanding Positive Results for Hepatitis A, B, and C: What You Need to Know
All three types of hepatitis tested positive? I recently went to a local clinic for a health check-up, and the report showed everything normal except for positive reactions for hepatitis A, B, and C. Why is this the case? Is it dangerous? [About ten years ago, I had hepatitis B, ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Having positive results for hepatitis A, B, and C indicates that you have had hepatitis A and have recovered, which is a good sign. For hepatitis B, it is important to determine whether you are positive for the surface antigen (HBsAg) or the surface antibody (anti-HBs). If you ar...[Read More] Understanding Positive Results for Hepatitis A, B, and C: What You Need to Know
Can You Have Intimacy with Cirrhosis? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Cirrhosis In cases of liver cirrhosis, sexual activity may be affected, but it is not universally prohibited. It is important for individuals with liver cirrhosis to consult with their healthcare provider to
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Patients with liver cirrhosis may experience breast enlargement and decreased libido, with a 5% annual risk of developing liver cancer. The progression of liver disease and its complications should not be overlooked... Liver cirrhosis. In severe cases, the liver's surface be...[Read More] Can You Have Intimacy with Cirrhosis? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Is Hepatitis C the Only Cause of Liver Cancer? Exploring Other Factors
Is the occurrence of liver cancer only related to hepatitis C? My dad said he has hepatitis C. Does that mean the occurrence of his cancer is unrelated to cirrhosis?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
This is a disease caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus, leading to inflammation of the liver. Most patients with hepatitis C may be asymptomatic, while some may initially experience fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark u...[Read More] Is Hepatitis C the Only Cause of Liver Cancer? Exploring Other Factors
Understanding High-Density Nodules in the Right Liver: What You Need to Know
High-density nodule in the right liver? I had a health check-up, and the report indicates a high-density nodule in the right liver. What does this mean?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
If the high-density nodule is less than 3 mm, it may be a regenerative nodule, intrahepatic stone, or other benign tumors. Follow-up with ultrasound every six months is sufficient. Early-stage liver cancer is typically characterized by low-density nodules or tumors.[Read More] Understanding High-Density Nodules in the Right Liver: What You Need to Know
Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding Bile Duct Tumors
Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? My mother said that a tumor in the bile duct could also be malignant. Should this tumor be addressed first?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
It is rare for patients to have dual cancers, so the likelihood of the bile duct tumor being benign is relatively high. If it is indeed bile duct cancer, the prognosis may be worse, as this type of cancer tends to metastasize to other parts of the body more readily at an earlier ...[Read More] Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding Bile Duct Tumors
Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? The doctor said that the tumor in the bile duct is indeterminate. I am thinking that it should be benign. Thank you, doctor, for your previous explanation. My father has currently undergone treatment with a photon knife. He had previ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
There are two categories of risks associated with liver cancer surgery. The immediate risks include the possibility of postoperative liver failure leading to death, as well as the potential for uncontrolled bleeding at the surgical site. Additionally, even after surgical resectio...[Read More] Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Fatty liver disease I was diagnosed with fatty liver last year, but I do not drink alcohol. My GOT and GPT levels are around 50-60, and I do not have hepatitis B or C. I often feel bloated and uncomfortable; could this be related to my lack of sleep? What is the likelihood of dev...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fatty liver is related to excessive fat (caloric intake). Please pay attention to your diet and exercise more. It is not associated with liver cancer. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns
Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Prognosis, and Management Tips
About fatty liver disease? Hello, Dr. Yang: My husband and I both have fatty liver. I would like to know if fatty liver can progress to liver cancer or cirrhosis? I am very worried. My husband has been taking liver protection pills (red capsules) prescribed by the doctor for a lo...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Typically, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) does not lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis. If there is no elevation in liver enzymes, medication is not necessary; exercise and moderation in fried food consumption are the best treatment methods. There is no need to be overly...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Risks, Prognosis, and Management Tips
Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Options
Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? Is liver cancer surgery really that dangerous? My father has been diagnosed with two tumors in his liver. Initially, he had hopes of using a photon knife, but that dream was shattered. Later, he considered embolization, but due to an...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Your father has three possible scenarios. The first (most likely) is that liver cancer cells have metastasized within the liver; in this case, the treatment method would be chemotherapy, and the survival period is not long. The second scenario is that cholangiocarcinoma has sprea...[Read More] Is Liver Cancer Surgery Really That Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Options
Understanding Liver Cancer Prevention: Key Insights and Concerns
How to prevent liver cancer? The book states that the underlying causes of liver cancer are primarily related to hepatitis B and C viruses, as well as cirrhosis. These viruses can be transmitted through vertical transmission or blood exposure. Therefore, if one has not contracted...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Blood can transmit viruses but does not transmit liver cancer. Individuals without viruses rarely develop liver cancer; however, it is still recommended for family members of liver cancer patients to undergo regular monitoring. Wishing you safety and health.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Prevention: Key Insights and Concerns
Can Cancer Be Transmitted Through Blood? Understanding Vertical Transmission
Can cancer be transmitted through blood? Thank you for your previous response. So, it can be said that maternal transmission to children is referred to as vertical transmission, while there are no such concerns with paternal transmission, correct? My father has liver cancer, whic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is possible, but it should be referred to as a postnatal level infection. Blood is infectious, so please handle it with caution.[Read More] Can Cancer Be Transmitted Through Blood? Understanding Vertical Transmission
Understanding Right Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Liver pain? The book mentions that one of the symptoms of hepatitis is pain under the right rib cage. I am experiencing this pain and I have a habit of staying up late, but I do not have any other symptoms. My health check showed normal liver enzyme levels and no hepatitis. Shoul...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hepatitis rarely causes pain in the lower right quadrant. Your pain is likely 90% due to musculoskeletal pain. The method for examination is quite simple; you should go to the hospital for an ultrasound to rule out the possibility of liver cancer.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Risks and Precautions Explained
Hepatitis B antibodies Dr. Chen, 1. If a person has antibodies for hepatitis B without having received the hepatitis B vaccine, does this indicate a past infection with hepatitis B? 2. Even if there are antibodies present and no further infection occurs, is there still a possi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, netizen: The presence of surface antibodies indicates that there has been an infection and that there is some level of immunity; however, it does not completely guarantee that liver cancer will not occur (the risk is very low). If there are no risk factors (such as a famil...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Risks and Precautions Explained