Can Drinking Coffee Really Lower Liver Cancer Risk?
Can drinking coffee prevent liver cancer? Researchers have found that drinking two cups of coffee daily reduces the risk of liver cancer by 43%. Larson and Walker point out that coffee has a protective effect against liver cancer, which seems biologically plausible. They state th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Jie, This is still only preliminary observation and statistical analysis, and there are no other studies to validate it. Therefore, it should only be considered as a reference; there is no need to excessively drink coffee to prevent liver cancer. Instead, it is essen...[Read More] Can Drinking Coffee Really Lower Liver Cancer Risk?
Conflicting Hepatitis C Test Results: What Should You Trust?
What are the test results? A few years ago, my husband went to donate blood, and the blood donation center sent a report stating that he tested positive for hepatitis C. We then went to a medical facility for a blood test, and the result was negative. Recently, my husband went ba...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Fang-Yi, 1. Different testing methods/probabilities may lead to false positives or false negatives. 2. HCV RNA testing (self-paid, approximately 2500-3000 NTD) can confirm the presence of the hepatitis C virus. 3. It is presumed that your husband's infectiousness i...[Read More] Conflicting Hepatitis C Test Results: What Should You Trust?
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Treatment of liver tumors? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my aunt. She is experiencing swelling and pain under her right rib cage, along with noticeable jaundice. After undergoing an abdominal ultrasound at the hospital, the results showed tumors in both lobes of her...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Pei, 1. If imaging studies and blood tests cannot confirm the tumor classification, a liver biopsy is necessary (but should be performed with caution). 2. After understanding the tumor classification and staging, treatment options will be recommended based on medi...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery, Biopsy, and More
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Regarding issues related to the "liver" and "abdominal discomfort." Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask you a few questions and provide some context first. For the past four to five days, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the upper abdomen, particula...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not related to the liver. Since you do not have hepatitis B, it is likely that you do not have hepatitis C either (I'm not sure if you have been tested?). The probability of developing liver cancer is very low; however, if you ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Key Questions and Considerations
Treatment for Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Lee, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. After about six months of testing, I have been diagnosed with hepatitis C (the doctor only mentioned a value of 205, so it's unclear whether it's acute or chronic). My first liver ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! The current treatment principle for hepatitis C is that liver inflammation, indicated by GPT levels, exceeds twice the upper limit of normal values (the National Health Insurance Administration also requires a liver biopsy). The current condition can still be monitored, bu...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Key Questions and Considerations
Unpleasant Body Odor After Drinking: Is It a Sign of Liver Damage?
Severe abnormal odor after drinking alcohol! I would like to ask: My friend drinks alcohol every day, and the day after drinking, their body emits a severe and abnormal odor that resembles "old person smell," which is very unpleasant. I am very concerned about my friend...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ah-Hua: The odor may be due to alcohol metabolites (or possibly hygiene issues). It is advisable to check liver function and to reduce alcohol consumption. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Unpleasant Body Odor After Drinking: Is It a Sign of Liver Damage?
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Possible Liver Issues Explained
There is a dull pain in the upper right abdomen, specifically in the liver area? Hello, doctor. I'm asking on behalf of my brother. He has been working the night shift at a gas station for a while now, but recently he confided in me that he often experiences a dull pain in h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Yin, It is still recommended that you visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for an examination to determine your condition and whether medication is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Possible Liver Issues Explained
Managing Fatty Liver: Concerns and Lifestyle Changes for Health
Fatty liver has persisted for one to two years? Hello doctor, my father is 49 years old. The doctor diagnosed him with fatty liver, but said that medication is not necessary yet since the condition is not severe. However, for the past two years, his liver tests have consistently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Jie: The treatment prescription for fatty liver is "weight loss," so please focus on dietary and exercise control. Additionally, there are no very effective medications for fatty liver, and it rarely progresses to cirrhosis, but it is important to be aware t...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver: Concerns and Lifestyle Changes for Health
Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Stomach pain and right flank pain? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been suffering from stomach pain for a long time and have been diagnosed with gastritis. Two years ago, during a health check-up, I tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. I have undergone three gastroscopies (at differen...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Abdominal pain with no identifiable cause is often functional in nature and related to gastrointestinal motility, such as spasms. This condition is more likely to occur in individuals who are prone to anxiety, high work demands, or other significant stressors, or it may be associ...[Read More] Chronic Stomach Pain and Right Side Back Pain: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding Ascites: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
The effects of ascites on the body? My father is 56 years old. In 1993, a tumor was discovered in his liver, and he has been receiving follow-up treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, including embolization therapy five to six times. Since the end of March this year...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: In the advanced stages of cirrhosis (and liver cancer), ascites may occur, requiring long-term diuretic therapy along with restrictions on fluid and salt intake. If liver function (such as ascites or jaundice) continues to deteriorate, then transarterial embolization...[Read More] Understanding Ascites: Causes, Implications, and Treatment Options
Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Regarding the embolization of liver tumors? Dear Dr. Chen, My grandfather was diagnosed with a 12 cm liver tumor, which was confirmed to be liver cancer. After undergoing embolization, he has been experiencing persistent fever. Recently, the doctor suggested using a nasogastric ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ms. Peggy: 1. May I ask the doctor if my grandfather truly does not have hepatitis B or C? (He may have occult hepatitis B, but it is not easy to confirm.) 2. These changes in his condition are not uncommon, and I believe your attending physician will do their best to treat him. ...[Read More] Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar in Liver Cancer Patients
Blood sugar concerns? Hello Dr. Chen, my father has been diagnosed with liver cancer for over a year, and it has metastasized to the lungs. He previously underwent chemotherapy for the lungs, but it was ineffective. This month, due to continuously rising liver enzyme levels, he h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. JJ: Cirrhosis and liver dysfunction can lead to postprandial hyperglycemia. It seems that SGLT2 inhibitors do not cause hyperglycemia and are not associated with renal issues related to high blood sugar, but blood sugar levels can fluctuate easily during severe illness...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar in Liver Cancer Patients
Understanding Persistent Liver Enzyme Elevation in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Liver enzyme levels remain elevated? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Last week, my GOP was 72 and GPT was 144. For the past two years, my liver function indices have consistently exceeded the standard value of 40, typically around 50-70. My sleep is normal, and I pay attent...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Gladys: Essentially, liver function in hepatitis B is related to individual immunity and viral load. Insomnia or staying up late may trigger issues, but the primary factor is still the amount of virus present. Please visit a gastroenterology or hepatobiliary clinic for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Liver Enzyme Elevation in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Bloating Hello, I often experience bloating in my stomach. What could be the cause of this? Additionally, I frequently hear gurgling sounds, and when these sounds occur, I feel like my entire stomach is churning. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Factors contributing to bloating include dietary factors, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and organic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as inflammation, ulcers, and tumors. Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as systemic conditions including...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Normal Liver Function Test Values for Hepatitis B Carriers
excuse me? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and would like to know what the normal reference values for liver function tests are.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The standard values for liver enzymes in our hospital are as follows: GPT: 5-40 IU/ml, GOT: 12-40 IU/ml, and AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): 0-10 ng/ml.[Read More] Understanding Normal Liver Function Test Values for Hepatitis B Carriers
Can Glycogen Storage Disease Type III Resolve on Its Own?
Is there a case of Glycogen Storage Disease Type III that resolves on its own? My daughter was diagnosed with Glycogen Storage Disease Type III at the age of one and a half. Her liver enzymes have always been very high, with GOT and GPT reaching over 1000 at their peak and at lea...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
You should consult a pediatrician specializing in metabolic disorders.[Read More] Can Glycogen Storage Disease Type III Resolve on Its Own?
Does Late-Night Sleep Impact Liver Health? Insights for Busy Students
Sleep inquiry? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am a graduate student and often stay up late due to my research commitments. My family has a history of hepatitis B, but I do not have hepatitis B myself. However, I am concerned that staying up late for extended periods may harm my liver. Therefo...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Irregular sleep patterns are detrimental; it is essential to maintain a normal daily routine for overall health.[Read More] Does Late-Night Sleep Impact Liver Health? Insights for Busy Students
Managing Unexpected Pregnancy While on Medication: Risks and Options
Can D&C treat unintended pregnancy? Dr. Hsu: Hello, my pre-treatment GOT/GPT levels were 120/64. After taking Danazol for four months, my liver enzymes have returned to normal at 19/17, but the E antigen remains positive. I have been on medication for over a year now, and it ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu! After inquiring with the pharmaceutical company, there is limited safety data regarding the use of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) during human pregnancy. In reproductive studies conducted on animals, there is no evidence indicating that Ganoderma lucidum has t...[Read More] Managing Unexpected Pregnancy While on Medication: Risks and Options
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Health
Abdominal issues are very troubling for me? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing a sensation in my stomach (around the area between my ribs) that feels like a needle pricking me, but it’s not painful; it feels more like a cramp. This sensation is not constant and often occurs...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Your three questions: 1. Occasionally having blood in your stool may indicate issues related to the rectum and anus, commonly seen in conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, tumors, or inflammatory polyps. It is advised to avoid prolonged sitting, engage in moderate exerci...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Insights on Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns
My father had a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was as high as 1761? Hello Dr. Chen, Recently, my father underwent a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was alarmingly high at 1761. The other liver function test results are as follows: T-Bilirubin (0.9), D-Bili...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! An HBsAg level of 176 indicates that your father is merely a carrier of hepatitis B; this figure does not correlate with the severity of the disease. The presence of cirrhosis cannot be determined solely based on this data. According to the information provided, your fathe...[Read More] Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns