Understanding a 1cm Liver Tumor: Next Steps and Concerns
A liver tumor measuring one centimeter in size? Hello, doctor. During my health check last year, I was diagnosed with mild fatty liver. This year, during a follow-up ultrasound, the fatty liver was no longer present, but a one-centimeter tumor was found. The ultrasound physician ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Patients without hepatitis B or C are unlikely to have liver cancer, so it may be a benign lesion. Please discuss this with a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding a 1cm Liver Tumor: Next Steps and Concerns
Early Stage Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Early-stage liver cancer treatment? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is a carrier of hepatitis B and has gallstones. Last month, an MRI at Asia University Hospital revealed a 1 cm tumor in the hepatic vein. Due to its proximity to blood vessels, it is not suitable for radiofrequency abl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You can visit Dr. Huang Kai-Wen at National Taiwan University Hospital for a discussion on new treatment options (out-of-pocket). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Early Stage Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Development in Taiwan
Hepatitis B Consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. The hepatitis B vaccine was not widely administered until 1984, which means that babies born before that year, as well as older adults, did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine, right? How did they develop the...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The risk of liver cancer increases specifically in individuals who have been infected with hepatitis B and have become carriers. If a person has been infected and has developed antibodies on their own, they will have lifelong immunity and their risk of liver cancer will no...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Development in Taiwan
Deciding on Embolization for Advanced Liver Cancer: Expert Insights
Is embolization necessary? My mother is 74 years old and has had liver cancer for several years. She has undergone embolization and radiofrequency ablation. Ten days ago, she was hospitalized due to early-stage hepatic encephalopathy, which has been treated and stabilized. A rece...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is not advisable to proceed with embolization at this time. It is recommended to wait for about one month until improvement is observed before reconsidering. Please discuss individual circumstances further with your attending physician. Changhua Hospital cares about you...[Read More] Deciding on Embolization for Advanced Liver Cancer: Expert Insights
Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Is the risk of cancer high? Hello, doctor. I researched some symptoms of jaundice in adults. In this stage, hepatitis is the primary cause of jaundice, especially chronic hepatitis B and C. Some patients may progress to cirrhosis or develop liver cancer, which can severely affect...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to monitor the changes in the indices. If the jaundice is caused by diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, or liver, the indices will gradually increase. At that time, a physician will evaluate what kind of examinations should be arranged. You should also ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission Risks and Cure Implications
Hepatitis C infection Hello: I recently engaged in sexual activity and am concerned about the possibility of contracting Hepatitis C. I would like to ask the doctor about Hepatitis C knowledge. There was no unsafe sexual behavior; the process involved my partner holding me from b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Without a wound, there is no risk of infection. Treatment means that there are no viruses in the body; however, regular follow-up is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission Risks and Cure Implications
Can Cancer Patients Safely Consume Arginine-Rich Foods?
Is it advisable to provide arginine-rich foods to cancer patients? Recently, I found information online about the "arginine elimination method," which suggests that reducing arginine may help liver cancer patients live longer. I have a relative undergoing chemotherapy f...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: As there is no confirmed literature yet and I have not personally researched this topic, I am unable to answer your concerns regarding your health at Changhua Hospital. Chen Shidian[Read More] Can Cancer Patients Safely Consume Arginine-Rich Foods?
Understanding Liver Cancer Treatment Options and Follow-Up Care
Treatment options for liver cancer? Dear Dr. Chen, My father underwent surgery for gastroesophageal junction cancer (stage III) in November 2015. After the surgery, he had a follow-up positron emission tomography (PET) scan to monitor his recovery, which revealed two liver tumor...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If a series of follow-ups consistently shows a liver tumor that remains unchanged in size, it is likely benign. However, if it was not detected in previous examinations and is a recent finding, especially in the presence of hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of it being liver cance...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Treatment Options and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Hepatitis B e Antibody: Treatment Outcomes and Longevity
Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you: If after taking antiviral medication for six months, the blood test shows e-antibody <1, but the e-antigen is still positive and the viral load is undetectable, does this still indicate that the patient ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. In chronic hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen positive and have liver enzyme levels more than twice the normal limit, after six months of antiviral medication, if the viral load is undetectable, it cannot be considered a cure. The treatment goal is to continue until e-anti...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B e Antibody: Treatment Outcomes and Longevity
Comparing HALO Ablation System and RFA: Key Differences Explained
HALO ablation system I would like to ask the doctor if the HALO ablation system and RFA are the same treatment.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The HALO ablation system is used for endoscopic ablation of esophageal lesions (gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus). 2. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment that involves inserting a probe into a tumor (such as liver cancer) under ultra...[Read More] Comparing HALO Ablation System and RFA: Key Differences Explained
Understanding Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer? Dear Doctor, 1. Recently, I have experienced a loss of appetite and had black stools for two days. I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, and the doctor said I have an ulcer. I was prescribed medication. During the endoscopy, the doctor also ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, your condition is ulcer bleeding, and treatment will require a certain duration. If symptoms do not improve after treatment, an abdominal ultrasound can be arranged to assess the condition of the pancreas and liver. Staying up late does not cause liver cancer. Sincerely, D...[Read More] Understanding Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?
Is it necessary to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old. During my health check in 2012, my Hepatitis B surface antigen was negative, and my Hepatitis B surface antibody was positive (concentration 23.18 mIU/mL). However, in March of ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Shuiyue, based on your description, you are eligible to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. It seems that your immune cells are not continuously secreting antibodies, which is a normal physiological regulation (the body does not keep producing antibodies unnecessarily; instead,...[Read More] Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?
Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips
After liver cancer tumor resection, which foods should be avoided? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer today. The tumor was successfully removed and there is no metastasis. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what other foods she should avoid besides ginseng, and w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after liver cancer surgery, dietary considerations primarily depend on whether there is liver cirrhosis and the degree of cirrhosis. If there is no cirrhosis, in addition to a fresh diet, it is advisable to limit smoking, alcohol, and pickled foods, while increasing the in...[Read More] Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips
Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Doctor, my husband had a health check-up over a month ago and was found to have a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level of 0.12 IU/ml. The physician's overall assessment indicates that there is a Hepatitis B virus in his body and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive HBsAg indicates an infection with the hepatitis B virus. Testing for IgM anti-HBc can determine if it is an acute hepatitis B infection. If HBsAg remains positive after six months and HBsAb is negative, it indicates chronic hepatitis B. 2. Hepatitis B is ...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Understanding Mold Ingestion: Myths and Facts About Gastrointestinal Health
Regarding the ingestion of mold (2) Hello Dr. Chen: I am the person inquiring about "ingesting mold." Thank you very much for your previous response. In your earlier reply, you mentioned that ingesting mold does not cause gastrointestinal infections. I understand that, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, the ability of fungi to survive and even cause disease within the body's organs is related to the host's immune system. Only individuals with severely compromised immunity, such as those with AIDS, cancer patients, or those using immunosuppres...[Read More] Understanding Mold Ingestion: Myths and Facts About Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Elevated levels of r-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) index? Hello Doctor, my sGOT and sGPT levels are normal, and my liver cancer screening results are also normal. However, my r-GT levels are slightly elevated, exceeding the reference values in the test report. An abdominal ultr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Elevated rGT levels in some individuals may be of unknown origin, but it is still recommended to monitor for 6-12 months. 2. For individuals with no hepatitis B surface antigen and no antibodies, if they are not healthcare workers or do not have close relatives wit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Traveling by Plane with Esophageal Arteriosclerosis in Advanced Liver Cancer
Can a person with esophageal arteriosclerosis caused by liver cancer fly on an airplane? Doctor: Hello, my father is currently in the terminal stage of liver cancer and is undergoing ongoing treatment. He also has complications from esophageal arteriosclerosis and has experienced...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: If there is bleeding from esophageal varices, the primary treatment is endoscopic ligation (rather than embolization). However, there is still a possibility of bleeding (especially when abdominal pressure increases), so international travel is not recommended, and me...[Read More] Traveling by Plane with Esophageal Arteriosclerosis in Advanced Liver Cancer
Monitoring Benign Liver Tumors: Understanding FNH Growth and Management
Follow-up for benign liver tumors? Hello Doctor: I have a relatively large focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in my liver, and I have been regularly monitored at a major hospital since 2009. The first MRI measured it at 9 cm, and the second MRI in 2010 measured it at 9.87 cm. I aske...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) can indeed grow. 2. It is also necessary to consider the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) hepatitis marker. 3. If it is liver cancer, MRI typically shows specific imaging characteristics. 4. Symptoms are for reference only. 5. If necessary, a biop...[Read More] Monitoring Benign Liver Tumors: Understanding FNH Growth and Management
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Pancreatic cancer index Hello, Doctor! I am 34 years old this year. I discovered an elevated CA19-9 level (64) in 2009. At that time, I underwent various tests, including MRI and endoscopy, which revealed a 9 cm benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while the pancr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in patients without cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Understanding Complications in Liver Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Grandma has liver cancer and was admitted to the intensive care unit due to a urinary tract infection? Hello! My grandmother was diagnosed with stage II liver cancer at the end of June this year (she has a history of hepatitis C, diabetes <controlled with medication>, and h...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: My grandmother has diabetes and chronic hepatitis C, and after undergoing embolization treatment for liver cancer, if the liver function of chronic hepatitis patients deteriorates, possible manifestations include the onset or worsening of jaundice, low serum albumin levels...[Read More] Understanding Complications in Liver Cancer Patients: A Case Study