Can a 1.5 cm Liver Hemangioma Be Treated or Shrink?
Hepatic hemangioma Can a 1.5 cm liver hemangioma be treated or shrink?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, hepatic hemangiomas are mostly congenital and do not require treatment, as they rarely change in size. Clinical follow-up is sufficient. Best wishes, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Can a 1.5 cm Liver Hemangioma Be Treated or Shrink?
Understanding Liver Nodules: When to Worry About Cancer Risk
Liver nodule measuring 1.2 cm? My husband started experiencing hepatitis B inflammation in 2002 (at the age of 36), with significantly elevated ALT and AST levels. He was hospitalized three times in 2003 due to persistently high levels. At the end of 2003, he began taking Hepatit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Sorry for the late reply! 1. Roughness indicates fibrosis; if necessary, a liver biopsy can be performed for assessment. 2. Viral treatment requires a long-term commitment, ideally over three years, and may need to be extended to new therapies if necessary. If medica...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: When to Worry About Cancer Risk
Understanding Right Rib Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
What is wrong with me, doctor? Doctor: This condition has been present for about 5 years. Recently, there have been frequent episodes of sharp pain below the right rib cage, which makes it difficult to breathe (inhaling causes pain). Occasionally, there is also pain on the left s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the possible causes include neuropathic pain, liver and gallbladder diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. You may consult with a general internist, family medicine physician, or gastroenterologist. Wishing you good health. Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department...[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I have a hemangioma in my liver measuring 2.4 cm (it was 1 cm when discovered). On February 27 of this year, I tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alpha-fetoprotein. On April 12, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor did not inform me ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please visit the hepatobiliary department for further examination. Any single test may have discrepancies, especially when the concentration values are in the borderline range. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Feeling Nauseous After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Feeling nauseous after eating? I have been experiencing nausea every time I eat for over a year. Could this be related to irregular eating habits?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Frequent feelings of fullness and nausea may indicate irregular eating habits, indigestion, and are related to diet. It is important to chew food thoroughly, eat at regular intervals, avoid overeating, and limit the intake of fried and spicy foods. Additionally, refra...[Read More] Feeling Nauseous After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Causes and Precautions for Gastric Bleeding: A Guide
Gastrointestinal bleeding Gastric bleeding can be caused by several factors, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, and certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other potential causes include tumors, stress-related mucosal diseas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include black stools, vomiting blood, vomiting coffee-ground-like material, dizziness, palpitations, and shock. Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include peptic ulcers (duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers), esophag...[Read More] Understanding Causes and Precautions for Gastric Bleeding: A Guide
Managing Bile Leakage After Liver Resection: Treatment Options and Recovery
Bile leakage Hello, I underwent a liver resection surgery on January 27, during which the tumor located at the bile duct bifurcation was removed along with the bile and bile ducts, and a segment of the small intestine was used as a bile duct. Since the resection, I have been suff...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The situation is complex and requires assessment based on the actual condition. We will consult a senior gastroenterologist for advice. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Managing Bile Leakage After Liver Resection: Treatment Options and Recovery
Understanding the Growth Rate of Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
The growth rate of hepatic hemangiomas? Hello Dr. Chen, four years ago during a health check-up, I discovered a 1 cm (suspected) hemangioma. Recently, during another health check-up, I found that the (suspected) hemangioma has grown to 3 cm. I researched online, and most doctors ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please follow up properly, and rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding the Growth Rate of Liver Hemangiomas: What You Need to Know
Should I Consider Antiviral Medication for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Should I use antiviral medication for hepatitis B? I am 26 years old. I became a carrier of hepatitis B during high school, and neither of my parents are carriers. I have regular liver examinations every six months (ultrasound, GOT, GPT, AFP, but I haven't done the e-antigen...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiao De: Currently, treatment is not recommended, but you may consider testing for e-antigen (+/- self-paid hepatitis B viral load) for documentation and follow-up. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Should I Consider Antiviral Medication for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes After First Hepatitis B Interferon Injection
Long-acting interferon for hepatitis B (forwarded from the director's mailbox) I have tested positive for hepatitis B with SGPT at 109 and SGOT at 47. After consulting with a doctor at the hospital, I was advised to undergo treatment with long-acting interferon for hepatitis...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, having sufficient trust and a good doctor-patient relationship is very important for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B. Any questions before, during, or after treatment should be directed to your physician. Lack of sufficient trust leading to unauthorized discontinuatio...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes After First Hepatitis B Interferon Injection
Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
What are the benefits of pearl grass? I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over ten years and have regular blood tests and ultrasounds every year, all of which have returned normal results. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma, but the doctor said it onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For a hepatitis B carrier with currently normal liver function and no signs of cirrhosis, according to the current treatment guidelines, no antiviral medication is needed. It is important to protect the liver by avoiding excessive fatigue and being cautious with medic...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Please stabilize the HBsAg index, which is very high? Doctor, I recently received my health check results, and my HBsAg level is 7186, which is very high. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but my other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, and AFP, are all normal. An abdominal u...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A high HBsAg index only indicates that the viral load may be higher (this is often the case in young individuals). Please confirm whether HBsAg is positive and continue with follow-up. Staying up late is a common saying; when you feel fatigued and sleepy, it's be...[Read More] High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Understanding Gilbert's Syndrome: Risks and Lifestyle Impacts Explained
Please ask your questions, and I'll do my best to assist you? Hello Dr. Chen, I have two questions I would like to ask. I have visited a general laboratory, then a general gastroenterologist, and was referred to a major hospital. Currently, the doctor at Chang Gung Memorial...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: In fact, there are not many complications associated with Gilbert's syndrome. It is advisable to avoid overexertion, limit alcohol consumption, prevent hunger, and reduce the risk of infections to minimize the occurrence of jaundice. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Understanding Gilbert's Syndrome: Risks and Lifestyle Impacts Explained
Can Men Taking Liver Medication Safely Conceive?
Can a male take liver medication and still conceive? Hello Doctor: I have been taking Hepatic Function Plus and Liver An-Neng (both at the same time) for over two years. Will this have any impact on the fetus if I become pregnant? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There is no direct evidence to indicate that it is safe, so it is not recommended to use medication during pregnancy to avoid the risk of teratogenic effects. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Can Men Taking Liver Medication Safely Conceive?
Understanding Fatty Liver: What is a Fatty Area and Its Implications?
What is a lipid-deficient area? Hello, Dr. Chen. Recently, my uncle went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor informed him that there is a 1.2 cm area of "fatty sparing" in his left liver near the bile duct. This is the first time my uncle has heard the term &...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the area with a lack of fat is considered healthy, while other areas of the liver may have fat accumulation, which is known as fatty liver disease. There are many causes of fatty liver, with common reasons including being overweight or obese, high blood lipids, poorly cont...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: What is a Fatty Area and Its Implications?
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Right upper quadrant discomfort? Hello, I would like to ask about a persistent dull ache and occasional sharp pain in my right upper abdomen near the ribs. I have been a regular blood donor and do not have hepatitis B or C, but I do have fatty liver and am overweight. I had an ul...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Right upper quadrant pain can have differential diagnoses including musculoskeletal issues, pleural diseases, gastrointestinal problems, liver and biliary conditions, as well as kidney and adrenal gland disorders. Normal liver function tests generally refer to normal ...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Liver Health: Tips for Managing Elevated Enzymes and Weight Loss
What is happening to my liver? I always thought my health was good, but recently I went to the family medicine clinic downstairs for a blood test. I was shocked when I saw the report. My AST and ALT levels were 4X and 5X the normal range; my triglycerides were even more alarming ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: You have alcoholic and metabolic fatty liver disease. As long as you focus on weight loss, eat less, exercise more, and avoid alcohol, it is not necessary to take liver supplements. This will help improve your liver function and blood lipid levels. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Tips for Managing Elevated Enzymes and Weight Loss
Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease
The correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver disease? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some professional questions. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-up examinations every six months. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, HBeAg, and bilirub...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. There is no correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver. 2. Fatty liver is due to metabolic insufficiency and typically does not cause liver "inflammation." 3. Please engage in weight loss and exercise to promote metabolism and monitor hepatitis B. Ch...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease
Understanding Persistent Burping: Gastrointestinal Issues and Solutions
Persistent hiccups? Hello Doctor: Around June, I went to a buffet and fell asleep right after returning home. Later, I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth, which I suspect was due to acid reflux, along with gas (not belching, but a feeling of gas buildup). I bought over-the-co...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal discomfort, overeating, frequent belching, and discomfort in the sternum for a certain period of time. These symptoms suggest dyspepsia, but it is important to rule out conditions such as tumors, gastrointestinal ulcers, and ga...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Burping: Gastrointestinal Issues and Solutions
Understanding Positive Hepatitis C Antibody Tests: Next Steps for Donors
Hepatitis C virus antibodies Hello Director Chen: I have a habit of donating blood regularly. However, during one of my donations, the blood center reported a positive result for hepatitis C virus antibodies. I sought help from an internist at a hospital, and after hearing my des...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: If liver function is normal, then there is not much concern. A low positive concentration of hepatitis C antibodies may be considered negative in another test due to differences in machine sensitivity. As long as the hepatitis C virus (HCV RNA, a high-tech out-of-poc...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis C Antibody Tests: Next Steps for Donors