Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Growth Risks and Care Tips
High-frequency feedback issue? Hello Dr. Tsai, I consulted you a few days ago regarding an abdominal ultrasound issue. On Monday, the attending physician initially told me it was a liver nodule, but on the follow-up visit, they said it was a 0.5 cm hemangioma and advised me to re...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A 1.0 x 0.5 cm hemangioma requires regular monitoring to determine if it will grow rapidly, which is usually not the case. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Growth Risks and Care Tips
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: When to Seek Further Testing
Elevated liver function tests? Hello Dr. Tsai, my husband had a blood test last week that showed elevated liver enzymes. The doctor advised him to rest more, avoid alcohol, and return for follow-up in three months. However, we have a relative whose liver enzymes were normal but s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Liver function tests alone cannot determine if there is cirrhosis; usually, an ultrasound is required for diagnosis. If you have not had an ultrasound, you can consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Liver Issues: Questions About Fatty Liver and Abnormal Enzymes
Liver issues? Dear Dr. Tsai, I am the patient who consulted you regarding my condition. My ultrasound report is the same as last time, but my GOT is 32 and GPT is 57, which is abnormal. I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. I have been taking iron supplements; last yea...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. For fatty liver, it is important to exercise and control caloric intake. If fatty liver improves, liver enzyme levels should normalize (assuming there is no chronic hepatitis B or C). 2. Anemia can also lead to muscle soreness. 3. In cases of fibrosis, regular monitorin...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Questions About Fatty Liver and Abnormal Enzymes
Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs and structures within the abdomen. It is commonly used to evaluate conditions affecting Hello Dr. Tsai, I previously submitted a question but did not recei...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver: It is recommended to monitor the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum, maintain a light diet, exercise, and pay attention to weight. 2. Blisters: Generally, there are no significant concerns unless the blisters are large and compressing the ...[Read More] Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Key Insights for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Understanding Abdominal Pain Around the Belly Button: Causes and Tests
Pain around the abdomen and waist? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing a dull pain around my navel that feels hard when pressed, and it hurts. The pain seems to move around; for instance, pressing one area might hurt, but after a while, that area feels fine, and pr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The area around the navel may be related to the gastrointestinal tract, with a higher likelihood involving the pancreas. You should consult a gastroenterologist, and the specific tests to be performed should be determined by the clinical physician. Changhua Hospital cares ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain Around the Belly Button: Causes and Tests
Persistent Jaundice in a 12-Year-Old with Leukemia: Possible Causes?
Jaundice is not resolving? Hello Dr. Chen: My 12-year-old child is currently being treated for leukemia at National Cheng Kung University, but his jaundice remains between 4 and 9 and won't decrease. Imaging studies, including cholangiography, MRI, liver biopsy, and genetic ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the patient's condition is more complex and cannot be assessed based on the information provided. Please consult and discuss with the medical team at Cheng Kung University. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Persistent Jaundice in a 12-Year-Old with Leukemia: Possible Causes?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Abdominal discomfort? Hello doctor, for the past two days, I've been feeling a dull sensation in the upper right abdomen near the center, but there is no pain. Could you please explain why this is happening? I have also experienced a similar dull feeling in the central abdom...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In the area of the upper right abdomen near the center, based on the distribution of human organs, it could be the location of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, duodenum, or colon. To determine which organ is causing the abdominal discomfort, it is advisable to consult a ga...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Can People with Hepatitis B Take Fish Oil Supplements Safely?
Can individuals with type B blood take fish oil? Hello doctor, I would like to buy fish oil for my family member, a 47-year-old male. However, during my online research, I found some information suggesting that individuals with hepatitis B should not take it because it may affect...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Fish oil is a dietary supplement that should be taken in appropriate amounts and at a reasonable price, with a source that is free from contamination. If you have cirrhosis, it is advisable to discuss this further with your primary physician. Changhua Hospital cares a...[Read More] Can People with Hepatitis B Take Fish Oil Supplements Safely?
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Liver Health
Duodenal ulcer I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask a few questions. Recently, after eating, I started experiencing pain in the upper left abdomen. It was diagnosed as a duodenal ulcer. I was discharged from the hospital a week ago, and the doctor prescribed...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The primary treatment for ulcers is proton pump inhibitors. 2. Some abdominal discomfort may stem from functional issues, such as rapid or slow peristalsis. Sometimes it can be challenging to identify the cause directly from imaging studies. 3. If there is no persistent...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Liver Health
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests
Abdominal pain Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I have been experiencing hardness in the upper abdominal area near the chest, which is often painful when pressed. Occasionally, after meals, I feel a burning sensation in my abdomen, along with nausea and belching, and my stomach appears t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Upper abdominal pain, occasional burning sensation after meals, and regurgitation with burping may indicate functional gastrointestinal issues. Conditions such as gastritis and esophagitis suggest the need to pay attention to dietary habits, including chewing food thoroughly, eat...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Recommended Tests
Understanding Bloating and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal Distress Explained
Abdominal distension accompanied by vomiting, and in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea with gastric cramping? Hello Doctor, first of all, I am very grateful for your time in helping the public with various health issues. I do not smoke, drink only occasionally, and maintain a g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Recently, I have been experiencing recurrent abdominal bloating, burning sensations, and abdominal pain. It is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for any signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other mucosal lesion...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal Distress Explained
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal tenderness and right upper quadrant pain? Hello, doctor. I am currently a university student and have been experiencing discomfort for about three months. I feel a pain in my upper right abdomen, near the rib cage, which feels more like a dull ache or an odd sensation (...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If the pain persists, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to check for gallstones, liver diseases, or peptic ulcers (especially duodenal ulcers). Additionally, pay attention to any poor posture or situations involving heavy lifting, as sometimes the issue may...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Health: Risks of Cirrhosis and Cancer
Liver issues? Hello Dr. Tsai! I am the patient who consulted you a few days ago regarding my condition. After reviewing my report, do you think I am at risk for liver cirrhosis? Also, would you consider me to be in a high-risk group for liver cancer? Thank you, and I would like t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, the report does not indicate the presence of cirrhosis; whether it will develop in the future will require ongoing monitoring. 2. To determine if you are in a high-risk group for liver cancer, you should consult your clinical physician, who can assess your pr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Risks of Cirrhosis and Cancer
Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Liver issues? Hello Dr. Tsai! I would like your help reviewing my abdominal ultrasound reports from two different hospitals, thank you. **First Report:** - Spleen Index: 7.18 × 3.75 cm - CBD: 0.63 cm - Portal vein: 1.05 cm - Normal liver size, bright and heterogeneous parenchyma...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. According to the report you provided, the liver appears to be only fibrotic, with no signs of cirrhosis. Additionally, your platelet count is 241,000; individuals with cirrhosis typically have platelet counts below the normal range (169,000). 2. Chronic anemia can i...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Understanding Liver Issues: Could It Be Cancer or Benign Tumors?
Liver problems Hello Doctor: On January 23, I had a blood test, and the results showed GOP 153 and GPT 382 with no hepatitis B. The fetal protein levels were normal. Today, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, and the doctor noted two small black spots, which led to a CT scan. ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: You should trust the conclusions drawn by clinical physicians based on ultrasound and computed tomography diagnoses. Please return for regular follow-up examinations. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Could It Be Cancer or Benign Tumors?
Understanding Liver Function Abnormalities After Emergency Contraceptive Use
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, I took emergency contraceptive pills on December 9, which I bought at a pharmacy. Later, I visited an obstetrician-gynecologist for insurance purposes, and the doctor prescribed me another dose of emergency contraceptive pills, two pills to be take...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Liver enzymes may be affected by lack of sleep, medications, and food, and are not necessarily caused by emergency contraceptive pills. 2. As long as liver cells are not continuously damaged, the enzyme levels can return to normal quickly. Changhua Hospital cares about ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Abnormalities After Emergency Contraceptive Use
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor: I visited the clinic due to onychomycosis and had blood tests done to facilitate more effective medication treatment. The results showed my GOT at 42 and GPT at 87. The doctor at the clinic said I have severe fatty liver disease! However, I am unsu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is quite common for psychiatric medications to cause obesity and fatty liver. We need to discuss the possibility of changing your medication and managing your caloric intake. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health. Best regards, Chen Shih-Dian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Grandma's gastrointestinal issues? Hello, Director Chen: My grandmother is 87 years old. Her current medical history includes fatty liver, diabetes, hypertension, arrhythmia, and stage 4 chronic kidney disease (GFR 22) without dialysis, as well as vascular calcification. Cur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for an examination to understand your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Should You Consider Out-of-Pocket Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Is treatment for hepatitis B out-of-pocket? Hello, Doctor: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for about two years now. My liver enzyme levels have been around 50-65 during my quarterly check-ups, and my E antigen is positive with a viral load of approximately 100 million. Since...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You may consider performing a biopsy to confirm the degree of fibrosis in order to determine whether to initiate medication. Once you start the treatment, do not discontinue it easily. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Should You Consider Out-of-Pocket Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Family Planning
Follow-up treatment directions for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. I have been a carrier since childhood. When I was 20 years old, my liver enzymes spiked to 1400, but after treatment, they returned to normal levels. However, at 27, my enzyme levels rose again to over 600, so I start...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. The viral load is only over 200, and medically, long-term medication is not recommended. However, personal considerations may allow for self-funded long-term medication. If you decide to stop the medication, it is essential to ensure proper follow-up. 2. There ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Family Planning