Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Insights
Symptoms? Dr. Lin... The previous report indicated that I tested positive for Hepatitis C virus antibodies (retesting required). It also mentioned that if marked positive, blood donation is not permitted. The normal result is negative, and the retesting is required when I intend ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive antibody test for the hepatitis C virus indicates a past infection with hepatitis C, and approximately 80% of individuals will develop chronic hepatitis. 2. Staying up late does not cause hepatitis C infection; hepatitis C is caused by infection with the h...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Insights
Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
The fetal protein index is slightly elevated? Hello, doctor. Last month during my company's health check-up, my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 13 (the hospital's normal range is below 10.9). My liver function tests were normal. Last week, I went for a follow-up, and ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Fetal protein is a protein that appears in fetal serum and disappears after birth. The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include pregnancy, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, germ cell tumors, testicular cancer, and other reproductive and urinary system tumors. For ...[Read More] Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels: What Could It Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated fetal protein index? My husband recently had a health check at his company, which revealed an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 65. He then went to the Gastroenterology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital for further evaluation, where his AFP level was aga...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other tumors such as germ cell tumors and testicular inflammation, as well as pregnancy. Generally, if the fetal protein level exceeds 400, liver cancer should be suspected. In your ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Issues related to Hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About four years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and the doctor told me that I am a healthy carrier, and I only need to return for check-ups every six months. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I only know that my surfa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
1. The definition of a healthy carrier is someone who is infected with hepatitis B but has normal liver function tests and ultrasound results. 2. Your SGPT level is 53, which is slightly elevated, indicating mild inflammation; therefore, close monitoring is necessary, but current...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications
Liver cancer Hello Dr. Hsu, I have some questions regarding my elderly family member (female) who has liver cancer (with tumors approximately 3 cm in size located on the right side and center of the abdomen), cirrhosis, hepatitis C, esophageal varices, thrombocytopenia (platele...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, the case is quite complex and requires a review of detailed medical history to make a clear assessment. Has a physician suggested electrotherapy?[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications
Can Drinking Coffee Really Lower Liver Cancer Risk?
Can drinking coffee prevent liver cancer? Researchers have found that drinking two cups of coffee daily reduces the risk of liver cancer by 43%. Larson and Walker point out that coffee has a protective effect against liver cancer, which seems biologically plausible. They state th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Jie, This is still only preliminary observation and statistical analysis, and there are no other studies to validate it. Therefore, it should only be considered as a reference; there is no need to excessively drink coffee to prevent liver cancer. Instead, it is essen...[Read More] Can Drinking Coffee Really Lower Liver Cancer Risk?
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Regarding issues related to the "liver" and "abdominal discomfort." Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask you a few questions and provide some context first. For the past four to five days, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the upper abdomen, particula...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not related to the liver. Since you do not have hepatitis B, it is likely that you do not have hepatitis C either (I'm not sure if you have been tested?). The probability of developing liver cancer is very low; however, if you ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Understanding Ascites: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
The effects of ascites on the body? My father is 56 years old. In 1993, a tumor was discovered in his liver, and he has been receiving follow-up treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, including embolization therapy five to six times. Since the end of March this year...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: In the advanced stages of cirrhosis (and liver cancer), ascites may occur, requiring long-term diuretic therapy along with restrictions on fluid and salt intake. If liver function (such as ascites or jaundice) continues to deteriorate, then transarterial embolization...[Read More] Understanding Ascites: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Regarding the embolization of liver tumors? Dear Dr. Chen, My grandfather was diagnosed with a 12 cm liver tumor, which was confirmed to be liver cancer. After undergoing embolization, he has been experiencing persistent fever. Recently, the doctor suggested using a nasogastric ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ms. Peggy: 1. May I ask the doctor if my grandfather truly does not have hepatitis B or C? (He may have occult hepatitis B, but it is not easy to confirm.) 2. These changes in his condition are not uncommon, and I believe your attending physician will do their best to treat him. ...[Read More] Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar in Liver Cancer Patients
Blood sugar concerns? Hello Dr. Chen, my father has been diagnosed with liver cancer for over a year, and it has metastasized to the lungs. He previously underwent chemotherapy for the lungs, but it was ineffective. This month, due to continuously rising liver enzyme levels, he h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. JJ: Cirrhosis and liver dysfunction can lead to postprandial hyperglycemia. It seems that SGLT2 inhibitors do not cause hyperglycemia and are not associated with renal issues related to high blood sugar, but blood sugar levels can fluctuate easily during severe illness...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar in Liver Cancer Patients
Understanding a 10-Centimeter Liver Tumor: Risks and Management for Diabetic Patients
Regarding a liver tumor larger than 10 centimeters? Hello, my grandfather has discovered a liver tumor that is over 10 centimeters in size today. He has had diabetes for many years. No one in our family has had issues with hepatitis B, and there are no liver disease problems amon...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Ju, First, we will conduct blood tests and imaging studies (CT scan or MRI) to preliminarily determine the type of tumor. If there are still concerns, a small biopsy of the tumor may be performed for further analysis. If it is liver cancer (or cholangiocarcinom...[Read More] Understanding a 10-Centimeter Liver Tumor: Risks and Management for Diabetic Patients
Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
What side effects should be noted for Hepatitis B (Liver) injection? I previously wrote to you: Hello Doctor... I had an index of over 300 and took Gan An Neng for more than a year, during which my HBeAg turned negative. After taking it for another six months, I stopped the medic...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The medications mentioned from mainland China do not have clear evidence regarding their effectiveness, so I cannot provide appropriate recommendations. Generally, the efficacy of Tenofovir or Entecavir is significantly better than that of Adefovir, so one should not assum...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Hyperbilirubinemia Hello doctor, over the past year, I have been preparing for graduate school and have experienced long-term insomnia, which has caused my eyes to appear slightly greenish-yellow. I underwent tests and found out that I have elevated bilirubin levels, which is cau...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The physician will determine the cause of jaundice through the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and various imaging studies. This will lead to further treatment. Jaundice is an abnormal condition in whi...[Read More] How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Can Hepatitis C Be Fatal? Understanding Risks and Testing Options
Can hepatitis C be fatal? Doctor Lin, I currently work at a hair salon. The other day, a client mentioned that she has hepatitis C. She also undergoes regular monitoring. While I was washing her hair and rinsing, I noticed a small, pinhole-sized wound that was bleeding just a lit...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood. There is a possibility of infection if there is contact between wounds or if a wound comes into contact with blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C, but infection is not guaranteed. The incubation period for Hepatitis C is b...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Fatal? Understanding Risks and Testing Options
Is Lower Always Better? Understanding Liver Function Test Results
Health check data Hello, regarding general liver function tests (such as AST, ALT, AFP, etc.), is it true that lower values are always better within the normal range? My previous AFP levels were around 1 before I was diagnosed with hepatitis B and C, but this time it has increase...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Liver function tests (GOT, GPT, AFP) fluctuate within a certain range, similar to a heartbeat. The test results should only be considered as references, as many factors can influence the results (such as medications, alcohol, weight gain, etc.). Physicians will not solely rely on...[Read More] Is Lower Always Better? Understanding Liver Function Test Results
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Abdominal distension? Recently, I have been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen, where it feels slightly swollen for a second or two, but there is no pain. This occurs about one to three times a day. After researching online, I found that one of the complications...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague. If the pain lasts only one or two seconds, it is probably not what you would refer to as cirrhosis. However, if you are still concerned, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist. Do you have jaundice? Is your liver fu...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Is an elevated AFP always indicative of a disease? I underwent a health check-up on August 15 of this year. My GOT was 10, GPT was 20, and I tested negative for both Hepatitis B and C. An abdominal ultrasound showed normal liver function. However, my AFP level was 10.8 (normal va...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. AFP is commonly used for screening hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis. An AFP level that remains elevated or exceeds 400 is significant, and in patients with cirrhosis, a level greater than 20 is also significant. 2. AFP is a protein that appears dur...[Read More] Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Vice President Tsai. Two years ago, I had a health check-up at Taipei Hospital, where the result for Hepatitis B antibodies was positive. However, I recently went to another health check-up center, and the result was weakly positive (51 IU/L). Is thi...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
This is a normal phenomenon observed during health check-ups at Taipei Hospital. The positive reaction for hepatitis B antibodies is a qualitative test result, while other health check centers conduct quantitative tests. A weak positive result is acceptable. Hepatitis B Overvie...[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Postpartum AFP Levels: Are 16 and 17 Normal?
Six months postpartum AFP 16, seven months postpartum AFP 17? Hello Dr. Chen: I participated in a company health check (with the health check team from Taipei Hospital) and received my report, which indicated an AFP level of 16 (six months postpartum). After half a month, I had a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiaoya: The above situation can still occur in normal individuals, so there is no need to be overly anxious. Since there is no hepatitis B and a low likelihood of liver cancer, there is no need to worry about the mild elevation of AFP, but it should be monitored during foll...[Read More] Understanding Postpartum AFP Levels: Are 16 and 17 Normal?
Can Interferon Reduce Liver Cancer Recurrence After Surgery?
Regarding post-operative care for liver cancer? Hello Doctor: Can interferon reduce the recurrence rate of liver cancer (caused by hepatitis C)? Is it suitable to administer injections post-surgery for patients with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Wimmie: Although interferon has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of small hepatocellular carcinoma, it has many side effects and is not yet widely used for patients with Child-Pugh class B or higher liver cirrhosis. Please discuss the benefits and risks with your ph...[Read More] Can Interferon Reduce Liver Cancer Recurrence After Surgery?