Understanding High Anti-HBs Levels: Can You Still Contract Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B transmission issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my liver function test results. Initially, my GOT was 42 and GPT was 76. After a follow-up blood test, my GOT dropped to 18 and GPT to 20, and I also had an Anti-HBs level greater than 1000. Could you please ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's impossible now; congratulations on having a strong immunity to hepatitis B.[Read More] Understanding High Anti-HBs Levels: Can You Still Contract Hepatitis B?
Understanding Right Rib Pain: What Does a Tender Bump Mean?
There is a tingling sensation when pressing on the area below the right rib cage, but it is not painful? Hello, doctor! A few days ago, my grandmother (65 years old) told me that a lump she felt about six years ago seems to have grown larger. It is located under the right rib cag...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound examination is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: What Does a Tender Bump Mean?
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Concerns and Insights for Patients
Abdominal mass? There has been a lump in the abdomen that appears subtle, but upon closer inspection, there is a slight protrusion in the skin. The bulge becomes more pronounced when tightening the abdomen. It has been present for over a year and a half, located in the upper righ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not an internal organ issue, so please rest assured. It may just be changes in the abdominal wall muscles caused by the surgery.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Concerns and Insights for Patients
Understanding PIVKA II Levels in Liver Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know
Inquiry about liver cancer tumor marker testing? Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up and my liver cancer tumor marker PIVKA II value was 34, which is highlighted in red. However, the ultrasound examination only showed mild fatty liver. Could you please advise if this v...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Normal values (<40) should not be a cause for concern.[Read More] Understanding PIVKA II Levels in Liver Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know
Understanding Bile Duct Reconstruction: Survival Rates and Dietary Considerations
Biliary-enteric anastomosis Hello, Doctor. I had a liver transplant at the age of 23 due to Wilson's disease, and my liver function has remained normal since then. My kidneys are also functioning well. However, six years ago, I was diagnosed with bile duct stones. I asked my...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Surgery is successful for long-term survival, and it requires regular follow-up without a direct relationship to diet.[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Reconstruction: Survival Rates and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Abdominal Tightness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain with a feeling of tightness? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time, and recently it has intensified. I feel tightness in the right side of my abdomen, as if something is being squeezed inside. Sometimes, the area around my stom...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with an immunologist or gastroenterologist whether there is an autoimmune enteritis and consider medication and dietary adjustments.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Tightness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Tightness and Pain: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Abdominal pain with a feeling of tightness? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing abdominal discomfort for a long time, and recently it has intensified. I feel tightness in the right side of my abdomen, as if something is being squeezed inside. Sometimes, the area around my sto...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with an immunologist or gastroenterologist whether there is an autoimmune enteritis and consider medication and dietary adjustments.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Tightness and Pain: A Gastroenterology Perspective
Post-Surgery Diet Tips for Liver Resection Patients: What to Avoid
Postoperative Diet After Da Vinci Liver Surgery Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old and has metastatic liver cancer due to colon cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy for a period of time, he had a Da Vinci surgery on April 3rd, where approximately 50-60% of his liver was rem...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may return for a follow-up appointment to confirm if there are any abnormalities in your blood tests. Post-operative dietary guidelines should be followed according to the nutritionist's recommendations (consultation is available).[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet Tips for Liver Resection Patients: What to Avoid
Understanding Hypoechoic Areas in the Liver: What Does It Mean?
The abdominal ultrasound report indicates "suspected hypoechoic area in the liver, possibly due to fat." Hello Dr. Lin! During today's health check-up, I came across the term "hypoechoic area in the liver suspected to be a fat-deficient area" in the abdom...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
In the presence of fatty liver, the liver cells contain lipids, resulting in ultrasound images that appear as hyperechoic areas compared to the kidneys. However, the distribution of fat can sometimes be uneven, with normal areas that are not infiltrated by fat appearing relativel...[Read More] Understanding Hypoechoic Areas in the Liver: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Abnormal Liver and Pancreatic Function Test Results
Health check report red text Hello Dr. Lin: During the recent company health check, the ultrasound technician mentioned that my liver appeared somewhat coarse and discovered a liver cyst (0.43 cm). The doctor advised me to undergo additional blood tests for liver function. After ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis involves several steps: First, assess for symptoms such as abdominal pain and postprandial back pain. Second, identify any risk factors such as gallstones, bile duct stones, alcohol consumption, and hyperlipidemia. Third, evaluate biochemical t...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver and Pancreatic Function Test Results
Does Liver Fibrosis Always Indicate Previous Fatty Liver Disease?
Liver fibrosis Does liver fibrosis necessarily indicate a history of fatty liver disease?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Not necessarily. Liver fibrosis can be caused by various diseases or factors, including fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. Fatty liver disease is one of the common causes of liver fibrosis, but fibrosis can also arise from other reasons...[Read More] Does Liver Fibrosis Always Indicate Previous Fatty Liver Disease?
Understanding White Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues
Bowel movement issues Today, I had a bowel movement that was about 2-3 centimeters long and white in color, while the rest were of a slightly normal color. Aside from my gastrointestinal discomfort, I have not experienced any other symptoms recently, such as jaundice, yellowing a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to continue self-monitoring.[Read More] Understanding White Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Issues
Elevated Salivary Immunoglobulin A: Implications for Gastrointestinal Health
Elevated salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels? Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up and found that my salivary immunoglobulin A level is 1426 µg/ml, which is significantly higher than the normal standard of 265 µg/ml. The report and the examining physician suggested t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
I apologize for my lack of knowledge; I haven't researched this area.[Read More] Elevated Salivary Immunoglobulin A: Implications for Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Stool and Urine Color Changes: When to Seek Help
Issues with Stool Color Hello, I currently have one gallstone and moderate fatty liver. Recently, I've noticed that my urine and stool are both very yellow in the morning. I initially thought it might be jaundice; my urine has a slight tea color, and my stool is a golden yel...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Slightly concentrated urine in the morning is still considered normal.[Read More] Understanding Stool and Urine Color Changes: When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Liver and Gastrointestinal Insights
Abnormal health check values? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the abnormal results from my recent health check-up and whether I need to seek further medical attention or how to improve them. Here are the results: Direct bilirubin is elevated at 0.31 mg/dL, and high-de...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Direct bilirubin is slightly elevated at 0.31 mg/dL. If the total bilirubin is not elevated, there is no need to worry too much. You may consider following up with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist. 2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is low at 3...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Liver and Gastrointestinal Insights
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fatty Liver and Tumors
Suspected liver cancer? Hello doctor, my mother has moderate fatty liver and does not have hepatitis B or C. Previously, she had an ultrasound, and the doctor ordered a CT scan, which indicated a suspicion of liver cancer. Blood tests were also conducted, and later the CT scan sh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Suspicion of liver cancer should be based on preliminary abnormalities, which can be used as a reason to apply for further imaging studies under health insurance. The results confirmed that there is no liver cancer, so there is no need to worry. A splenic hemangioma is benign and...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fatty Liver and Tumors
Intermittent Sharp Pain Below Right Rib: What Could It Mean?
There is occasional sharp pain in the lower right rib area? There is a sharp pain occasionally in the lower right rib area, located below the heart. I am unsure what this symptom indicates and which medical specialty I should consult.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, pain in the lower right rib area can be caused by various factors, such as issues related to the liver, gallbladder, intestines, or the peritoneal cavity, as well as problems with the ribs, pleura, or lungs. It is recommended that you first consult a family medicine or gas...[Read More] Intermittent Sharp Pain Below Right Rib: What Could It Mean?
Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain with Normal Bowel Movements: What to Know
Normal bowel movements, but experiencing chronic lower abdominal pain? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing lower abdominal pain (cramping) in January 2022, and I cannot determine if it is in the left lower or right lower quadrant (lower middle). Generally, my bowel movements ar...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Normal bowel movements but persistent lower abdominal pain. After defecation, the pain shifts from the lower abdomen to the upper abdomen. There is no pain at night, but pain occurs in the morning upon waking. Abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy show no issues. Treatment for irr...[Read More] Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain with Normal Bowel Movements: What to Know
Understanding Liver Enzyme Changes: Should You Stop Your Medication?
Issues related to liver function tests? Hello Doctor: I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and grade A esophagitis. The doctor prescribed Dexilant, which I have been taking for two months. Recently, during a health check-up, my GOT and GPT levels increased from 23 and 25 to 35 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a medication used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Such medications rarely affect liver or kidney function (creatinine levels) and can be monitored; if necessary, it may be advisable to discontinue or switch medicat...[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzyme Changes: Should You Stop Your Medication?
Understanding CA-199 and CA-125 Tumor Markers: Which Specialist to Consult?
CA-199 tumor marker Hello Doctor, my recent health check results show that my CA-199 tumor marker is 75.2 and my CA-125 tumor marker is 60.5. Both values are highlighted in red. I would like to ask you, as I have been regularly (every year or six months) monitoring my gynecologic...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Elevated CA19-9 and CA-125 levels in women warrant further gynecological monitoring. Although the levels are not significantly high, they are abnormal and may be related to gynecological issues such as uterine fibroids or teratomas. Continued follow-up and treatment are recommend...[Read More] Understanding CA-199 and CA-125 Tumor Markers: Which Specialist to Consult?