Pancreas, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ

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Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know

Issues related to abdominal ultrasound? About a year ago, I visited a hospital's hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to stomach discomfort. The doctor arranged for an ultrasound and endoscopy. During the follow-up appointment, the doctor only mentioned that I h...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no special findings, but please monitor for any signs of hepatitis B or liver function.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Results: What You Need to Know


Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps

Gastrointestinal and bowel-related issues? Hello Doctor: For the past 5-7 days, my stools have been muddy and coffee-colored. Prior to this, I experienced stomach pain and bloating, which led me to visit the emergency room for blood and urine tests. The emergency physician indica...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea improved after medication, but after three days, there are still gastrointestinal discomfort, poor appetite, and muddy, coffee-colored stools. It is possible that the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved. It is recommended to pay atte...

[Read More] Understanding Muddy Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Next Steps


Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to the Pancreas?

Upper abdominal pain, abdominal ultrasound concerns? Hello Doctor, over the past year, I have occasionally experienced pain in the upper abdomen, particularly in the left upper quadrant. There is usually a specific point that is painful when pressed, and sometimes it seems to be ...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Pain in the upper left abdomen is more commonly associated with issues related to gastric acid. Pancreatic problems are less likely unless there is a history of long-term alcohol consumption or hypertriglyceridemia. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a gas...

[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to the Pancreas?


Understanding Gas Interference in Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging

Gas in abdominal ultrasound? The abdominal ultrasound report indicates that the pancreas is "partially masked by gas," which means that the presence of gas is obstructing a clear view of the pancreas. This does not specifically indicate any problems with the pancreas it...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Yes, the pancreas can be obscured by gastrointestinal air.

[Read More] Understanding Gas Interference in Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging


Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns

Amylase levels cannot be reduced? Hello, Doctor. On March 5th, I accidentally consumed spoiled glutinous rice balls (which had been refrigerated for about a week). That evening, around 10 PM, I had fast food fried chicken for dinner and then went to bed. The next day, March 6th, ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The pancreas shows only mild inflammation; the numbers are for reference and should not be a cause for concern. A light diet is recommended, and follow-up appointments should be scheduled as planned.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Your Symptoms: IBS, GERD, or Pancreatic Cancer Concerns?

I would like to ask the doctor if I have irritable bowel syndrome combined with gastroesophageal reflux disease or pancreatic cancer? Hello, Doctor: I am regularly taking psychiatric medications (such as Prozac) primarily due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation with overact...


Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: For your left and right upper back pain, it is recommended to consult other specialties first. There are many potential causes for bloating, so it is advisable to ask your previous treating physician for guidance based on prior examinations and your condition. Di...

[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: IBS, GERD, or Pancreatic Cancer Concerns?


Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound for Stomach Pain Diagnosis

Stomach pain issues? Hello, doctor. I used to have very few stomach pains, but recently I've been experiencing them more often. I went to see a doctor, and they said I could have an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the issue, and that an endoscopy wasn't necessary. When ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ultrasound can only rule out diseases other than the stomach (such as liver, gallbladder, and pancreas diseases) and cannot exclude conditions like gastric ulcers. If medication and dietary changes are ineffective, an endoscopy may be performed.

[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound for Stomach Pain Diagnosis


Understanding Digestive Issues: Back Pain, Bloating, and Anxiety Concerns

Back pain, occasional nausea, and bloating issues? Hello Doctor: Last May, I sought medical attention for gastrointestinal bloating after consuming too much milk. Due to a family history of diabetes (grandfather, mother, and father), the doctor arranged for a colonoscopy, an endo...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should not be related to pancreatic cancer; managing with medication and dietary control is sufficient, so there is no need to worry.

[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: Back Pain, Bloating, and Anxiety Concerns


Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Cancer or IBS?

Is it cancer or irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, doctor. At the end of May last year, I experienced frequent bloating and constipation due to excessive milk consumption. I recently completed a gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound of the pancreas, during which six ...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The theoretical probability is very low, unless the bowel preparation is inadequate, which may affect the interpretation of the results. 2. If there are six polyps and all are hyperplastic polyps, the recommendation in foreign countries is to follow up in 3-5 years. How...

[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Cancer or IBS?


Managing Pancreatic Cysts: Alternatives to Surgery for Duct Obstruction

Pancreatic pseudocyst leading to acute pancreatitis? 1. My husband recently experienced upper abdominal distension and fever, and he went to the emergency department for evaluation. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and was hospitalized for further examination. An MRI reve...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A gastroenterologist specializing in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can assess whether medical treatment is feasible (however, it may be limited to drainage or aspiration, as definitiv...

[Read More] Managing Pancreatic Cysts: Alternatives to Surgery for Duct Obstruction


Understanding Fatty Liver and Kidney Stones: Dietary Insights and Management

Abdominal ultrasound Hello Doctor: Last year, due to abdominal pain, I was examined and found to have kidney stones and moderate fatty liver. Over the past year, my weight has been stable at 92 kg (height 166 cm), and I have been controlling my diet for about a year. I believe I ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The patient has moderate obesity with a BMI of 33.3, and there are kidney stones present with minimal changes observed in the follow-up ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound shows slight changes in non-fatty areas and multiple small right-sided kidney stones. It is recommended to ...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Kidney Stones: Dietary Insights and Management


Understanding Gallbladder Issues: Ultrasound vs. CT Scan Accuracy

Gallbladder issues Hello Doctor, during a health check, an abdominal ultrasound indicated a suspected 2 cm mass in the gallbladder, along with a 0.6 cm gallbladder polyp and some stones. I was advised to go to a larger hospital for further examination. Subsequently, I underwent a...


Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
I recommend that you go to a major hospital for further examination. Later, I went to the major hospital for a CT scan, and the results seem to show no abnormalities. Please return for a follow-up appointment so that the attending physician can interpret the report, and then proc...

[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Issues: Ultrasound vs. CT Scan Accuracy


Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Liver and Gallbladder Health

Ultrasound Interpretation 1. Liver: (1) INCREASED ECHOGENICITY (2) ONE FOCAL SPARING AREA (3.3X1.6CM) IN THE RIGHT LOBE (3) TWO CALCIFIED AREAS (2.5CM, 0.8CM) IN THE RIGHT LOBE 2. IHD: NO DILATATION 3. CBD: NO DILATATION 4. GB: SMALL POLYPS 5. PV system: NO ENLARGEMENT 6. Pancrea...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Small polyps are not abnormal, and their angle can influence their appearance. Localized areas without fat are a common ultrasound finding and are not considered abnormal.

[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Liver and Gallbladder Health


Understanding Pancreatic Issues from Abdominal Ultrasound Results

Abdominal ultrasound issues - pancreatic problems? Hello Doctor: I had an abdominal ultrasound, and part of the report states: PANCREAS: echogenic pancreas, head/tail: poor resolution, body: normal. During the procedure, the doctor mentioned that the pancreas appeared to be somew...


Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The echogenic pancreas shows poor resolution in the head and tail, while the body appears normal. This means that only the body of the pancreas is visible, and the head and tail are obscured by intestinal gas. Fatty pancreas is similar to fatty liver, which requires weight...

[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues from Abdominal Ultrasound Results


Why Can't a CT Scan Detect the Pancreas? Understanding the Risks

The pancreas is not visible on the CT scan? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a previous abdominal CT scan that revealed a cyst larger than 16 cm in the abdomen, and my stomach has also shifted forward. However, both the written report and the images indicate that the pancr...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should be covered; I recommend checking the results of the follow-up examinations.

[Read More] Why Can't a CT Scan Detect the Pancreas? Understanding the Risks


Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns

Abdominal bloating Hello Doctor, I would like to ask what could be the cause of a feeling of bloating and tightness in the middle of the upper abdomen? There is no pain in the abdomen, and the stool is either mushy or watery with bubbles. I have a history of adhesions due to a pr...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to visit a gastroenterology outpatient clinic for further evaluation to determine if there are any issues related to the stomach or biliary pancreas.

[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns


Understanding MRI Findings: Assessing Liver Lesions After HCC Surgery

MRI Report Several years ago, a family member underwent surgery for liver cancer and recovered well, with follow-ups every three months. Recently, a CT scan indicated a gray shadow on the liver, prompting the doctor to order blood tests and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) exam...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The report indicates a recurrence of liver cancer; please discuss this with the attending physician for their assessment.

[Read More] Understanding MRI Findings: Assessing Liver Lesions After HCC Surgery


Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect

Examinations of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas system? Hello, because I experience diarrhea after consuming greasy foods, my doctor suggested that I undergo tests for the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas system. What kind of tests are these? Do I need to fast or provide a s...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the gallbladder is not removed, and there is biliary obstruction or recurrent pancreatitis accompanied by jaundice and weight loss, it is often not a biliary or pancreatic issue, but rather a motility disorder.

[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect


Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Liver and Gallbladder Insights

Abdominal ultrasound examination? Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound examination yesterday, and I translated the findings myself. I found several issues!!! The liver size is normal, but the parenchyma is heterogeneous, the surface is smooth, and the vascular system is ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no hepatitis B/C or pain, monitoring is sufficient.

[Read More] Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results: Liver and Gallbladder Insights


Understanding Cystic Lesions in the Upper Abdomen: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist

Chest CT shows a cyst in the upper abdomen? Hello, doctor. I just had a chest CT, and I saw a statement in the report that says: "Two cystic mass-like lesions in the upper abdomen (Se2 Im122) up to 11 cm. Suggest abdominal CT with contrast for further evaluation." Howev...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It seems that the default report text was forgotten to be updated. After undergoing an ultrasound, regular follow-up (approximately once a year) is sufficient.

[Read More] Understanding Cystic Lesions in the Upper Abdomen: When to Consult a Gastroenterologist


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