Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Liver fibrosis Dr. Tsai, I’m troubled again. You mentioned that I should check the severity of fibrosis to see if I need to pay out of pocket for a Fibroscan, but my doctor said it’s not necessary. Should I still get tested for Hepatitis B virus DNA? Currently, my Hepatitis B sur...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) Fibroscan can quantify fibrosis data, but its clinical application is relatively uncommon. Generally, ultrasound compares the texture of the liver with that of the spleen, allowing physicians to make subjective judgments, which is more commonly used in clinical practice...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
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 the Risks of Reactivation in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Questions about asymptomatic carriers? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since I was in my specialty training. I found out during a health check at work when I was about 27 years old that my HBeAg was negative. I have also had two or three HBV viral load tests,...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) The activation of hepatitis B virus is usually associated with a decline in immune function, such as excessive fatigue, or the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, undergoing chemotherapy, alcohol consumption, etc. In some cases, the activation may occur for unk...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Reactivation in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. The doctor asked me to test for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, which was negative at 0.00, and Hepatitis C antibody, which was negative at 0.07. Does this mean I do not have Hepatitis B or...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B core antibody is used to determine whether there has been a past infection with hepatitis B that did not progress to chronic carrier status. Hepatitis B surface antibody is used to assess current immunity against the hepatitis B virus. (2) Liver fibrosis ne...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
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 Bloating and Acid Reflux: Managing Gastrointestinal Pain
Bloating? Excess stomach acid leading to stomach pain! Hello, doctor. Before I present my issue, I would like to mention that there is a family history of colorectal cancer (my grandmother passed away from it). I have informed other doctors about this, and they all said it was to...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
To diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is essential to rule out other conditions of the colon, which may require stool tests, colonoscopy, or barium enema. Regarding diet and lifestyle, it is important to focus on a low-fat, low-dairy, and mildly stimulating diet, while a...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Acid Reflux: Managing Gastrointestinal Pain
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
How to Treat Elevated Liver Enzymes: A Guide for Patients
Elevated liver enzymes? How to treat elevated liver enzymes?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for further evaluation and appropriate medication. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] How to Treat Elevated Liver Enzymes: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the issue related to hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions regarding hepatitis B. I am 37 years old, and there is a high likelihood that my hepatitis B was transmitted vertically from my mother. 1. I have undergone two HBV...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Based on your description, the e-antigen has been negative for over a decade. The e-antigen indicates the replicative activity of the virus; essentially, "e-antigen negative chronic hepatitis" refers to the detection of a negative e-antigen. (2) Mild hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Liver Fibrosis with AST Levels
Blood Test Report Doctor: My blood test results show that my AST (also known as GOT) is 20.4, and my platelet count is 204,000. There is no evidence of hepatitis B or C. Can this be used to assess whether the subject has liver fibrosis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine liver fibrosis solely based on this. It is necessary to refer to the A/G ratio, the GOT/GPT ratio, and abdominal ultrasound imaging. Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, attending physician of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Taoyuan Ge...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Liver Fibrosis with AST Levels
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Blood Test Insights and Evaluation Methods
Liver fibrosis Hello Doctor: In June of this year, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that my liver appeared coarse. I learned that this indicates liver fibrosis, which has made me very sad and worried. A month later, I had a blood test, and the results showe...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the accumulation of sufficient liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis. The diagnosis of cirrhosis is often based on a combination of blood test results and ultrasound imaging of the liver. Factors such as the observation of liver stiffness, platelet count, the GOT/GPT ratio, th...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Blood Test Insights and Evaluation Methods
Understanding the Shift from Negative to Positive HBsAg in Hepatology
The surface antigen changed from negative to positive? In the past two years, the blood tests showed HBsAg: negative and Anti-HBs antibody: positive. However, last week’s blood test results showed HBsAg: changed from negative to positive (with two consecutive tests both positive)...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: From a theoretical standpoint, a change in HBsAg from negative to positive indicates an infection with hepatitis B. However, it is advisable to consider the quantity of HBsAg, as some low-level positive reactions may be laboratory errors. Essentially, a positive Anti-HBs a...[Read More] Understanding the Shift from Negative to Positive HBsAg in Hepatology
Understanding Atypical Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Malignant?
Hepatic hemangioma Hello, doctor. About 4 to 5 years ago, during a health check-up, an ultrasound found a suspected hepatic hemangioma measuring 0.6 mm. I have been monitored every three months to six months, and now it's once a year, with the size consistently at 0.6 mm. Al...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Based on what has been described, it appears to be a benign small tumor with no likelihood of malignancy, so there is no need to worry at this time. For further details, it is necessary to discuss and evaluate the actual imaging data with your gastroenterologist. Cha...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Malignant?
Concerns About Gastrointestinal Infections After Southeast Asia Travel
Concerns regarding infection issues in epidemic areas? In May, I traveled to Southeast Asia, and upon returning around mid-July, I noticed that my stools were softer than usual and contained what appeared to be dark brown mucus. This condition lasted for about 3 to 4 weeks, after...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is recommended to first visit a gastroenterology clinic to check your stool in order to determine if there are any issues. Additionally, when traveling to mainland China or Southeast Asia, please consume only cooked food and avoid drinking untreated water. Changhua...[Read More] Concerns About Gastrointestinal Infections After Southeast Asia Travel
Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more specific information or questions regarding hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis B. Recently, he underwent tests and his results showed GOT 54, GPT 85, viral load 17,000 (which is above the normal range), bilirubin 0.9, and amylase 111 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please schedule an appointment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department for evaluation by the attending physician. Additionally, avoid alcohol, refrain from staying up late, and do not consume traditional Chinese medicine or steroids. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Serious?
What is a liver hemangioma and is it serious? I had two tumors in my liver, measuring 1 cm and 2 cm, respectively, confirmed by a CT scan as hepatic hemangiomas. My attending physician was very busy, so I couldn't quickly ascertain the severity of the condition, which caused...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Huang, This is a common benign congenital liver tumor, and the principle is to follow up once a year. Most of the time, it does not change. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Serious?
Understanding Stomach Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Stomach pain and vomiting? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing frequent stomach pain recently, especially in the morning after waking up, where I feel a particular heaviness in my stomach. Occasionally, I also experience bloating. A while ago, I felt unwell and after eating a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: You may arrange for a self-paid, painless gastroscopy and liver function tests. Please reduce your intake of sweet and sour foods, and consider adding gastrointestinal medications for adjustment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed liver fibrosis and an enlarged spleen, but I do not have hepatitis B or C and I do not drink alcohol. What treatment should I pursue? Additionally, do I need to go to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The causes of liver fibrosis are not limited to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcohol; there are many other different causes. Fibroscan is a more advanced ultrasound scan that can quantify the degree of fibrosis, but it cannot diagnose the underlying cause. Typically, fibr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
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
Comparing Drug and Injection Treatments for Liver Fibrosis
Liver fibrosis issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about liver fibrosis. There are two types of treatment: medication and injections. Which treatment is generally recommended for better efficacy?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Currently, there are no specific medications for liver fibrosis. There are only drugs available for hepatitis B and C viruses, so please discuss this with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Comparing Drug and Injection Treatments for Liver Fibrosis