Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Continuous weight loss, diagnosed with duodenal ulcer, and blood tests show no issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 31 years old. From August 11 to August 23, I experienced a rapid weight loss of 4 kilograms. My diet and appetite have been normal, but my weight dropped from 78.5 kg to 74...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Vincent: I would like to know from what weight you started to lose and how long it has been? Do you have any other symptoms? I recommend consulting your physician to see if a referral to another specialty, such as endocrinology or others, is necessary. Director Cai Jin-...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss and Duodenal Ulcer: Seeking Answers
Post-Surgery Complications After Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
Postoperative Issues Following Bile Duct Surgery Dear Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding my father. Three years ago, he underwent surgery for early-stage bile duct cancer, during which his gallbladder, pancreas, and part of his stomach were removed. Recently, he has b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, regarding gastrointestinal bleeding, a small bowel endoscopy revealed a bleeding point that could not be controlled, along with issues related to stroke, indicating a more complex condition. Generally, the treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding aims to stabilize vital sig...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications After Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: When to Consider Further Testing
Elevated CA 19-9 levels? Hello doctor, my CA 19-9 level has been elevated; it was 32 two years ago and now it's 39. I had a CT scan of the pancreas two years ago, and the doctor advised me to have regular ultrasounds. However, I know that ultrasounds cannot visualize the pan...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
CA 19-9 is not very accurate; it should only be used as a reference. Regular monitoring is recommended, although there are currently no standard guidelines. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing additional tests (possibly out-of-pocket) for peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: When to Consider Further Testing
Fast Heartbeat, Dizziness, and Hiccups: Is It GERD?
Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and hiccups? Hello, I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood, and I often burp after eating. Last week, I started experiencing dizziness, and this week I noticed an increased heart rate (90 when lying down and over 100 when standing). I also ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, after eating and drinking, frequent burping, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat are observed. It is advised not to overeat or drink too quickly. It is recommended to check for any issues related to the esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Wishin...[Read More] Fast Heartbeat, Dizziness, and Hiccups: Is It GERD?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pressure: Could It Indicate Pancreatic Cancer?
Discomfort or pressure in the middle of the upper abdomen? Hello Doctor, I feel very uncomfortable when I press in the middle of my upper abdomen. Running or cycling causes vibrations that also make me feel uncomfortable, almost like a painful sensation. I previously consulted a ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no relevant concerns, so there is no need to worry excessively.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pressure: Could It Indicate Pancreatic Cancer?
Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
When sitting down, there is a sensation of a foreign object in the right upper abdomen, occasionally accompanied by pain? Hello Doctor, since 2013, I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign object in my body near the right upper abdomen close to the ribs when sitting down...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: To manage fatty liver, it is recommended to reduce the intake of greasy foods and sweets, and to avoid alcohol. Do not eat until overly full, as this can hinder digestion. It may be advisable to check for any issues with the bile ducts or pancreas. Wishing you peace, healt...[Read More] Persistent Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Intermittent Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Right abdominal pain? Hello doctor, for the past two months, I have occasionally felt a dull pain in the area to the right of my navel. Sometimes the pain is located more towards the upper right, and other times it is more towards the lower right. The discomfort is not persistent...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Ms. En: You have been experiencing pain in the right upper abdomen for two months, along with constipation and decreased appetite over the past two weeks. Given the complexity of your symptoms and the presence of the gallbladder, bile ducts, stomach, duodenum, colon, and pa...[Read More] Intermittent Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Pancreatic Shadows: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Pancreatic examination At the end of January, I had a CT scan, and the doctor mentioned there was a shadow on my pancreas, advising me to return for follow-up in three months. Later, I went to the Veterans General Hospital for an MRI and underwent related blood tests (about 10 it...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
→ Discuss the follow-up plan with the attending physician regarding the results.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Shadows: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Ampullary Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Surgical Options
Ampullary polyp Hello, my father previously underwent ERCP due to recurrent pancreatitis of unknown origin. During the procedure, a polyp approximately 0.5 cm in size was found at the ampulla and was removed. A biopsy was performed, and the report indicated malignancy; however, t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, if the next step is cancer (which is typically reported as adenocarcinoma in pathology reports), it should be high-grade dysplasia. 2. It is important to check whether there is any abnormal tissue growth in the ampulla, and whether the margins...[Read More] Understanding Ampullary Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Surgical Options
Persistent Stomach Burning: When Medication Fails to Relieve Symptoms
The condition of gastric burning is not improving significantly with medication? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for many years. I started treatment two years ago and have undergone several endoscopies. The results showed only slig...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be advisable to continue medication (possibly increasing the dosage at your own expense) and monitor the situation, while maintaining a normal diet. If necessary, a 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring can be performed (the test may cause some discomfort).[Read More] Persistent Stomach Burning: When Medication Fails to Relieve Symptoms
Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: Causes and Connections
Abdominal pain and back pain? Hello doctor, my father has been experiencing upper abdominal pain and back pain for almost three months. During this time, any physical exertion, bending over, or certain positions trigger severe pain. Normally, the pain varies from intense to mild,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further examination is needed to determine if there is spinal nerve compression.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: Causes and Connections
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Weight Issues ~ Weight Continues to Decrease Despite Normal Diet Hello, Doctor. My current health status is as follows: On December 3, 2020, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The attending physician explained that I have gastritis and mild ulcers, but my esophagus ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician regarding the current data (hemangioma of the liver should only be monitored) and the management/consultation for weight loss.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Understanding Right Abdominal Mass: Causes and Diagnostic Steps
Palpation of a suspected mass in the right abdomen? Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions to ask: 1. If there is a noticeable hard lump on the right side of the abdomen (approximately four fingerbreadths to the right of the navel) when standing or sitting, but it is less noticeab...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: A 35-year-old female has a noticeable mass palpated to the right of the umbilicus. The patient is relatively petite. The mass is more prominent when standing or sitting and less noticeable when lying down. An abdominal ultrasound can assess the liver, gallbladder, pancreas...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Mass: Causes and Diagnostic Steps
Understanding Erythematous Gastritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Erythematous gastritis Hello Doctor: I have some health-related questions that I hope you can help clarify. Two months ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and the doctor indicated that everything was fine. However, today I checked my personal health record and s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should just be a case of mild gastritis. Pancreatic steatorrhea occurs after multiple episodes of severe pancreatitis, which does not seem to be the case here.[Read More] Understanding Erythematous Gastritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Elevated CA199 and Amylase Levels: Clinical Implications
CA19-9 and Amylase Hello: I underwent interferon treatment for hepatitis C 10 years ago. However, in the past 2 to 3 years, I have found that my regularly monitored CA 19-9 levels are twice the upper limit of the standard value, and my amylase levels are 1.38 times the upper limi...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The CA19-9 level is twice the upper limit of the standard value, and the amylase level is 1.38 times the upper limit of the standard value. Both values remain elevated. Although the levels are not extremely high, it is important to consider potential issues related to the ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA199 and Amylase Levels: Clinical Implications
Understanding the Clinical Significance of Elevated CA199 and Amylase Levels
CA199 and amylase Hello: I underwent interferon treatment for hepatitis C ten years ago, but in the past two to three years, I have found that my regularly monitored CA 19-9 levels are twice the upper limit of the normal range, and my amylase levels are 1.38 times the upper limit...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The CA 19-9 level is twice the upper limit of the standard value, and the amylase level is 1.38 times the upper limit of the standard value. Both values remain elevated. Although the levels are not extremely high, it is important to consider issues related to the pancreas,...[Read More] Understanding the Clinical Significance of Elevated CA199 and Amylase Levels
Understanding Your Stomach Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastric issues? Recently, my stomach seems to be slightly off, and I'm not sure if it's just psychological. If I wait until I experience significant weight loss, anemia, or unbearable pain before seeing a doctor for an endoscopy, will it be too late, such as in the case...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Cancer markers cannot be used to diagnose the presence or absence of cancer. 2. If the clinical physician assesses that it is necessary, an endoscopy is recommended. 3. Ultrasound can only visualize the pancreas under optimal bowel gas conditions, so it is not the best ...[Read More] Understanding Your Stomach Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Left Lower Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Pain under the rib cage? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that happened when I was in the 6th grade. I experienced severe pain in the lower left side of my ribcage, close to my stomach, which was so intense that I collapsed and couldn't get up. Since that...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 25-year-old female is experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the lower left side of the rib cage, near the stomach. Possible causes could include neuropathic pain or gastrointestinal spasms. The nearby anatomical structures include the esophagus, stomach, large intestin...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Rib Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Managing Low Pancreatic Function and Triglycerides: Dietary Considerations
Pancreatic insufficiency and low triglycerides? Hello, I have a cyst on my pancreas. Recently, during a check-up, my doctor found that my triglyceride level is only 33. The doctor prescribed me pancrelipase enteric-coated microgranules and ursodeoxycholic acid. I would like to kn...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello! The presence of pancreatic cysts does not necessarily correlate with pancreatic insufficiency or low triglyceride levels. Whether consuming 15cc of oil alone is beneficial or harmful should be advised based on clinical conditions. It is recommended for individuals with gal...[Read More] Managing Low Pancreatic Function and Triglycerides: Dietary Considerations
Managing Rapid Gastric Motility and Pain After Dinner: Tips for Recovery
Within 7 days, there were 2 instances of rapid gastric motility after dinner at night? Hello, doctor. I have been recovering from gastritis and recently experienced severe stabbing pain in my stomach after dinner (braised pork rice). This has led me to visit the emergency room tw...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello! Does drinking water help with back pain? The causes of back pain may include muscular or neurological issues, and prolonged inactivity from lying down for too long can lead to discomfort in the back. Peptic ulcers, gastritis, and pancreatitis can also cause pain that radia...[Read More] Managing Rapid Gastric Motility and Pain After Dinner: Tips for Recovery