Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns, Risks, and Surgical Options
Gallbladder polyp Hello Doctor: My mother had an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital a month ago, which revealed two polyps in her gallbladder, one measuring 0.2 cm and the other 0.6 cm. After a month, she had another examination at a different hospital, and the polyps were foun...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Polyps can sometimes be multiple, and different hospitals may yield varying results. The imaging equipment itself may have discrepancies, and factors such as the size of small polyps, angles, or whether different polyps have truly grown can all contribute to these dif...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns, Risks, and Surgical Options
Can Ascites from Cirrhosis Spread Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Cirrhosis Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask if ascites caused by liver cirrhosis is contagious. On December 19, my mother-in-law went to the hospital to have fluid drained from her lungs due to cirrhosis. After returning home, the puncture site did not heal properly, causing fl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, although the virus can be detected in the pleural effusion, the amount is small. There is a possibility of infection, so it is important to monitor for any skin breaks. Infection is more likely with blood contact, so it is advisable to avoid direct contact as much as possi...[Read More] Can Ascites from Cirrhosis Spread Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Are Peanut Milk Drinks Safe for Hepatitis B Patients?
Does peanut milk contain aflatoxins? Hello Doctor: I am currently being treated for an acute outbreak of hepatitis B. Can I consume peanut milk beverages? The beverage company has not responded to my inquiry. Additionally, does sunflower seeds contain aflatoxins, or is it only pe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by Aspergillus fungi in food. It is not the case that peanuts inherently contain aflatoxin; rather, aflatoxin is present only when peanuts become moldy. In addition to moldy peanuts and their products, other foods such as grains, nuts (in...[Read More] Are Peanut Milk Drinks Safe for Hepatitis B Patients?
Understanding Liver Cysts: Dietary Considerations and Patient Care
Please help me solve this with the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I am Xiao Li. I would like to ask you about a patient with blisters on the liver. What should they pay attention to, and can they consume dairy products? Please respond as soon as you see this. Thank you.
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Dear Si-Ting, Hepatic cysts are typically discovered incidentally and are benign in nature. Clinically, they usually do not present any symptoms unless they become large enough to compress adjacent organs, which may lead to symptoms. Complications such as cyst rupture or infecti...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cysts: Dietary Considerations and Patient Care
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome: Causes and Implications for Digestive Health
Leaky gut syndrome Leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition characterized by the weakening of the intestinal barrier, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to enter
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
A healthy gut requires an intact intestinal mucosa, which primarily functions to absorb nutrients and serve as a barrier against the invasion of external pathogens. The surface composition of the intestinal mucosa consists of numerous epithelial cells that fit tightly together li...[Read More] Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome: Causes and Implications for Digestive Health
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes in the Abdomen: What You Need to Know
Swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen? Hello Doctor: A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed with a liver tumor, which was treated with electrocautery. Recently, a CT scan revealed an enlarged lymph node in her abdomen (near the reticular area), but her liver appears normal. The do...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, if liver cancer shows signs of metastasis (including to the abdominal cavity or lymph nodes), it indicates a poor prognosis. Additionally, liver cancer generally has a poor response to chemotherapy. If there is indeed lymphatic metastasis, the response to chemotherapy or t...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes in the Abdomen: What You Need to Know
High Liver Enzymes Without Symptoms: Navigating B Hepatitis Management
There is no feeling of fatigue or jaundice, but liver enzyme levels are as high as 400 to 500? Hello Dr. Chen, I was healthy during my childhood, but during a health check in college, I discovered that I am a carrier of hepatitis B. However, for several years afterward, my lifes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Ting: Please follow up on <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36392">#36392</a>; regarding the changes in liver function and E antigen. If necessary, Tenofovir (a type of hepatitis B virus suppressor) is more suitable for use in pregnant patients, ...[Read More] High Liver Enzymes Without Symptoms: Navigating B Hepatitis Management
Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Cirrhosis ~ Helpless Family Members Hello Dr. Lee, My brother is only 45 years old and has developed cirrhosis due to excessive smoking and drinking, along with long-term night shift work. He is currently hospitalized and has been there for a month. In the first few days of his...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, based on the information provided in the letter, your brother's liver cirrhosis has become quite severe. It is unclear whether your brother has hepatitis B or C, in addition to his smoking and drinking habits. Cirrhosis is a slow inflammatory process, so reaching this...[Read More] Coping with Cirrhosis: A Family's Struggle for Hope and Care
Is Interferon Treatment Necessary for Chronic Hepatitis C?
Is interferon therapy really necessary? I called the hospital to inquire about my hepatitis C viral load report. The hospital confirmed that I have hepatitis C, with a viral load of only 42,000. The doctor recommended that I start interferon treatment. My GPT levels have consiste...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, the current treatment for hepatitis C is quite effective, achieving a success rate of about 50% to 70%. If the infection duration is short, the treatment effectiveness can even reach up to 80%, which is considered good. However, as you mentioned in your letter, the medicat...[Read More] Is Interferon Treatment Necessary for Chronic Hepatitis C?
Should You Get Interferon Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Should interferon be administered? My liver enzymes have been above 200 for about 10 months. The liver biopsy showed an inflammation score of 2. The doctor said it qualifies for insurance coverage. Do I really need to start interferon treatment? I'm feeling very uncertain. C...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, are you infected with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C? Regardless of which type, your levels are quite high. If you meet the criteria for health insurance coverage, it is advisable to pursue treatment. You mentioned that you are concerned, but I'm not sure what specific is...[Read More] Should You Get Interferon Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Choosing the Right Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Considerations
How to choose medication for hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been positive for hepatitis B e-antigen for a long time. My most recent blood test showed GPT 276 and GOT 95. The doctor recommended active treatment. I would like to ask whether I sh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, both Gleevec (Imatinib) and Bosulif (Bosutinib) are available and covered by health insurance. Among the current treatment options, Bosulif has the lowest likelihood of developing resistance and is recommended as the first choice. There are no clinical research data regard...[Read More] Choosing the Right Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Considerations
Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Hepatitis B medications Hello, Dr. Hsu. I have stomach cancer and my weight is on the lower side. My GPT is over 500. What kind of treatment should I undergo? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, your GPT is over 500, which is considered high. I’m not sure if you have recently undergone an e-antigen test. Do you have the report for the E antibody? Have you also had a test for the hepatitis B virus load, specifically HBV DNA? Additionally, have you been tested for h...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatments
Upper abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been experiencing mild pain in my upper abdomen for about two months. I went to the hospital for an abdominal ultrasound, which indicated a slight inflammation of the stomach. I also had liver and gallbladder blood tests that came back...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Abin, 1. The presence of Helicobacter pylori causing gastritis or ulcers needs to be confirmed by endoscopy; therefore, if there is no improvement, endoscopy should be considered. 2. General dyspepsia is typically not related to bacterial infection, and the infection ra...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatments
Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Diarrhea accompanied by weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to consult you regarding my mother's health issues. Here is a brief overview of her condition: My mother is 58 years old and has a history of breast cancer, for which she underwent bilateral mastectomy and has...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Yali: 1. There is a low correlation with the liver, but regular ultrasound examinations (every 6 months) are still recommended. 2. It is advised to visit a gastroenterology clinic for stool tests and medication, and then consider a colonoscopy. 3. Irritable bowel ...[Read More] Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Can Homemade Red Bean Heating Pads Cause Aflatoxin Contamination?
Aflatoxin Is there a risk of aflatoxin production when a doctor uses red beans to make a reusable heating pad that is heated in the microwave? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Aspergillus flavus frequently contaminates crops such as peanuts, corn, rice, wheat, and nuts. When Aspergillus flavus proliferates in large quantities, it can produce aflatoxins, which are heat-resistant. According to data, temperatures of 260-280°C are required to kill t...[Read More] Can Homemade Red Bean Heating Pads Cause Aflatoxin Contamination?
Post-Hepatitis C Treatment: Addressing Common Symptoms and Concerns
Questions after Hepatitis C treatment? Hello, Dr. Hsu. My mother completed her six-month interferon treatment around August. Currently, her liver function tests are normal, but she is experiencing some symptoms: 1. Her lips frequently show signs of bleeding and cracking. 2. She h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, regarding the issues you mentioned, here are my responses: 1. If your lips are prone to cracking and bleeding, first consider whether they are too dry. It may be helpful to use lip balm for hydration, and also ensure adequate fluid intake. Additionally, please have a den...[Read More] Post-Hepatitis C Treatment: Addressing Common Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B: Confirming Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Hepatitis B issues Hello, Dr. Hsu! I would like to ask if a positive result for the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a blood test confirms the presence of Hepatitis B. Is there a need for additional tests to confirm this?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, yes, it is not necessary, but we still need to continue monitoring liver function tests, specifically AST, ALT, and alpha-fetoprotein.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Confirming Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Understanding Liver Shadows: What They Mean for Your Health
Liver issues? If there has been no prior infection with hepatitis B or C, and a recent ultrasound examination revealed a shadow in the liver, with additional blood tests currently being conducted, what would be your preliminary assessment, Dr. Hsieh? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, there are many possible causes for the shadow, which may include hemangiomas, cysts, or uneven fat distribution. Since I have not seen the ultrasound myself, I cannot assess the nature of the shadow online, and we will need to wait for the blood test results.[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: What They Mean for Your Health
How to Seek Medical Help for Liver Issues After Abnormal Test Results
If you suspect you have liver issues, how should you seek medical consultation? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a simple health check-up and my recent blood donation showed abnormalities in my liver (I had normal results in previous donations). My GOT and ALT levels are elevated. I...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated ALT and AST levels can have many causes, including viral infections, medications, endocrine disorders, and systemic diseases. You may consult with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist, a general internist, or a family medicine physician to arrange for f...[Read More] How to Seek Medical Help for Liver Issues After Abnormal Test Results
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Necessary Tests
There is blood? Hello Doctor: I have a problem with fatty liver. Today (or sometimes in the past), after having a bowel movement, when I wipe, at first there is no blood, but towards the end, when I wipe and don't touch any stool, I notice a little blood. What could be the c...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, your condition sounds like hemorrhoidal bleeding. Most people have internal hemorrhoids, and symptoms like yours can occur due to constipation, diarrhea, prolonged sitting, a diet low in fiber, or insufficient water intake. It is advisable to visit a gastroenterology clini...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Necessary Tests