When Is a Liver Transplant Necessary? Key Considerations and Requirements
Liver transplant? Hello, Dr. Hsu. In what situations is a liver transplant necessary? Additionally, aside from whole or partial donations, do the donor and recipient need to match in blood type, gender, and be of similar age for the donation to be viable?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
The timing for a liver transplant depends on the severity of the disease. The criteria for liver transplantation in cases of liver cancer differ from those for cirrhosis. Since the letter did not describe the disease, it is difficult to assess the situation. Both whole organ dona...[Read More] When Is a Liver Transplant Necessary? Key Considerations and Requirements
Understanding Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
The discomfort of bloating? Dear Dr. Yuan, I have been experiencing occasional bloating symptoms for the past six months, but recently the symptoms have become more severe. Here are the details: 1. Timing: After meals or just before bedtime. 2. Bloating symptoms: Gas often gets...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Bloating can be caused by organic factors such as ulcers, intestinal obstruction, or issues related to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or endocrine system. It can also be due to functional problems, such as poor motility caused by stress, anxiety, or panic, or dietary fa...[Read More] Understanding Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Self-Care Tips
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes and Tumors
A concerning issue? Hello doctor, I went to the hospital for a blood test to check my liver function because I felt fatigued. I also had an abdominal ultrasound. The doctor said I do not have hepatitis B or C, but my liver enzymes are 299 and 69, which is a bit strange. Additiona...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Guoqiang: Liver biopsy is an important method to directly obtain liver (tumor) cells to confirm the cause of the condition. It has a high safety profile, so there is no need to worry. Please discuss the details with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes and Tumors
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Sleep Issues: What You Need to Know
Liver issues consultation? Hello Doctor: I had tests for GOT and GPT at the end of last year. My GOT was 38.8 U/L and my GPT was 61.22 U/L, both of which are higher than the normal values. Does this indicate inflammation of the liver? Additionally, for the past few months, I have...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Abnormal levels of GOT and GPT, ranging from 1 to 2 times the normal values, indicate liver cell damage, although not significantly elevated. It is important to investigate the underlying causes, which may include viral hepatitis (types B and C), medications, alcohol co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Sleep Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
What to Do If Your Mom Has Hepatitis C: Treatment and Risks
My mother has hepatitis C. What should I do? My mother has this condition. What should we do? Previously, she went to an otolaryngologist due to strange sounds in her ears, and it was later found that her GOT and GPT levels were elevated, her platelet count was low, and her lymph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Charles: Hepatitis C may have progressed to cirrhosis or hepatitis without symptoms, which is why you should seek medical attention. Please visit a hepatology or gastroenterology clinic.[Read More] What to Do If Your Mom Has Hepatitis C: Treatment and Risks
Can Chronic Hepatitis B Be Cured? Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment Pilot Program Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been for several years. I undergo regular health check-ups every year, and for the past three years, my liver function index (ALT) has been between 70-80. My serum markers for liver c...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Currently, there are no medications available that can completely eradicate hepatitis B. Additionally, these treatments are not covered by health insurance. Your condition only requires regular monitoring, and there is no need for medication treatment.[Read More] Can Chronic Hepatitis B Be Cured? Treatment Options and Costs Explained
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 Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Further Imaging
Hepatic hemangioma Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask the following question. I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B over a decade ago. Therefore, I have been getting checked every six months to a year. Currently, my AST and ALT levels, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, are all...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, this issue should be discussed with your physician. Tumors can present in very typical ways, resembling hepatocellular carcinoma or hemangiomas. If the distinction is not clear and there is a possibility of liver cancer, further imaging studies are necessary. In cases of s...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Further Imaging
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Liver function tests (LFTs) My liver enzyme levels are GOT 71 and GPT 178. I contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion when I was young. Currently, I am preparing for graduate school and would like to know if I need to start interferon treatment immediately. I have visited ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes indicate inflammation in the liver. Causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, fatty liver, medications, and fatigue. 2. In chronic hepatitis C, liver enzyme levels may fluctuate. An ultrasound may also reveal fatty liver. Prolonged liver inf...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
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 Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Accuracy in Imaging Tests
Hemangioma Hello, I would like to ask about a previous ultrasound that showed a shadow (3cm x 2cm). I then underwent a CT scan, and the doctor confidently stated that the examination report indicated a hemangioma. Is it possible for this to be a mistake? What is the basis for suc...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the differences between hemangiomas and liver cancer in ultrasound and computed tomography imaging are significant. Hemangiomas gradually enhance from the periphery after the injection of contrast agents. Generally, a CT scan is sufficient to differentiate whether it is a ...[Read More] Understanding Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Accuracy in Imaging Tests
Understanding Persistent Hiccups: A Guide to Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Hiccups for several weeks? I often feel anxious for no reason, and sometimes I experience sharp pain in my heart. I have occasional pain on the left side of my abdomen near the navel and a little below it. I have daily bowel movements, but sometimes I go 2-3 days without one. My ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, I am unsure whether you are referring to hiccups or belching. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles that cause a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in a characteristic "hic" sound. Belching, on the other hand, is th...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hiccups: A Guide to Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Risks, Treatment, and Surgery Options
Hemangioma My aunt recently underwent ultrasound and CT scans, which revealed three hemangiomas in her liver, one of which is 5 centimeters in size and located between two major arteries. I would like to know if there is a possibility that the hemangiomas could grow larger. The d...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Generally speaking, hemangiomas do not enlarge rapidly in a short period of time; any growth typically occurs over several years and may only be slight. Since various examinations have confirmed the presence of a hemangioma, surgical removal is generally not recommended, e...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Risks, Treatment, and Surgery 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
Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Hepatitis B healthy carrier? As a carrier of hepatitis B, what should I pay attention to in my daily life and diet? Can a hepatitis B carrier transmit the virus to others? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, 1. Individuals who are healthy carriers of Hepatitis B do not require special care but should undergo regular monitoring, maintain a balanced diet, and have a regular daily routine. In terms of diet, they should minimize the intake of foods containing artificial additive...[Read More] Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
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 Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Hepatitis B carrier (1) Doctor, my boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B. I have had deep kisses and sexual intercourse with him, but I was vaccinated against hepatitis B when I was a child. Later, I had my antibody levels checked, and the doctor recommended another vaccination f...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, (1) Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Although the transmission rate between spouses is not high, it is best to have antibodies to reduce the risk of infection. (2) A. Fatty liver can be classified by severity through ultrasound....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis B I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I currently work the night shift at a convenience store, and I try to make up for sleep during the day. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. What should I do to prevent liver cirrhosis? What are the regular check-up items I should undergo?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, in addition to sufficient sleep and rest, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming fresh foods, avoiding alcohol, and refraining from taking medications indiscriminately are important measures for liver protection. If liver function tests (GOT, GPT) are normal, it indicates ...[Read More] Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
The disappearance of the E antigen and persistently elevated liver enzymes? Hello Dr. Hsu: I am a patient with hepatitis B, without hepatitis C, and I do not drink alcohol. I have been receiving liver protection medication from the hospital for the past five to six years, but my ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello lbkth888! 1. Your condition can be considered for treatment with long-acting interferon, which has shown good results. However, as you mentioned, your e-antigen is negative, indicating that you are a patient with a mutated strain of hepatitis B. In this situation, the e-a...[Read More] Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options