Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up value inquiry 2 Hello, doctor. I am the one from the previous message regarding elevated amylase and total bilirubin levels. I later underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and part of the pancreas, and there were ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Amylase can be monitored. 2. Sometimes the use of certain medications or exposure to chemical agents can also cause elevated bilirubin levels; follow-up is sufficient, and there are currently no treatment recommendations. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Pancreatic cancer index Hello, Doctor! I am 34 years old this year. I discovered an elevated CA19-9 level (64) in 2009. At that time, I underwent various tests, including MRI and endoscopy, which revealed a 9 cm benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while the pancr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in patients without cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
CA19-9 levels have been elevated for four consecutive years? Hello Doctor: In 2009, I was found to have elevated CA 19-9 levels (64). At that time, I underwent numerous tests, including an MRI, which only revealed a benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while other...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The normal value of CA-199 for Taiwanese individuals is higher compared to those in Europe and the United States. Inflammation or benign tumors can also cause a slight increase. Given your condition, it may be advisable to monitor the levels; if there is indeed a problem, ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
Understanding Pain Below the Left Rib: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the abdomen three fingerbreadths below the rib cage? Pain located three fingers below the left rib cage, which worsens with breathing and walking, and increases with pressure.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Pain under the left rib may be related to issues with the stomach, pancreas, or spleen, and should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist. However, it could also be neuropathic pain. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Pain Below the Left Rib: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pancreatic Tumor Markers: What Does a Level of 67 Mean?
Questions about pancreatic examination data? Hello, Dr. Tsai. If the pancreatic tumor marker index is greater than 37, it is considered positive, and my test result is 67. Does this indicate that there may be issues with the pancreas and bile? (P.S. There is inflammation in the s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The pancreatic tumor marker refers to CA 19-9, right? Conditions such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, tumors of the pancreatic or biliary ducts, or unknown causes can all lead to elevated levels of this marker. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a hepatobi...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumor Markers: What Does a Level of 67 Mean?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Pain below the left rib cage? Hello Dr. Lin, I have experienced discomfort and pain under my left rib cage whenever I feel anxious or if my eating schedule is irregular. Sometimes the pain radiates and makes my entire abdomen feel uncomfortable. Recently, the frequency of this pa...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pain under the left rib cage may involve areas such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, and left liver, but the likelihood of gastric pain is higher. Please pay attention to your diet, and if the pain persists, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishi...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Liver examination Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my hepatic hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. I want to know if I need to fast before undergoing an ultrasound examination of my liver for follow-up.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is typically performed fasting to observe the gallbladder and pancreas. However, if the focus is solely on the liver, it can be done without fasting. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Understanding Ampullary Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Issues related to ampullary tumors? Hello, currently my grandfather is hospitalized at the Xinfeng Madou Branch. According to the physician, the tumor is located at the ampulla of Vater, near the junction of the bile duct, pancreas, and duodenum, but it has not invaded the pancre...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. Guozi, The treatment you mentioned is indeed the standard surgical approach for treating ampullary tumors. The drainage you referred to is likely external drainage. Our hospital offers a non-surgical treatment option, which involves placing a metallic biliary stent ...[Read More] Understanding Ampullary Tumors: Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left upper abdominal distension and pain? For nearly two months, I have been experiencing a bloating and dull pain in the area of my stomach (I'm not sure if it's the stomach), specifically about one to two centimeters below the xiphoid process, near the lower edge of t...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination to check for any abnormalities in the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and other organs. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Left upper abdominal discomfort? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again. I have been experiencing discomfort and pain in my upper left abdomen, which prompted me to return for a follow-up examination. However, the doctor still suspects that the discomfort is caused by...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, it's important to note that neuropathic pain can occur anywhere, as nerves are present throughout the body. Generally speaking, pain in the stomach and duodenum is often experienced when fasting, while gallbladder pain typically occurs after meals. If th...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Ulcers or Pancreas?
Left abdominal discomfort? Hello Doctor: I previously had a duodenal ulcer and have been on medication for eight months, but I still occasionally experience pain. I'm unsure if the ulcer has healed. Recently, I've suddenly felt a dull pain and a sense of pressure in my ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: You can go to the gastroenterology department for a barium enema or colonoscopy. In terms of diet, please avoid oily, dairy, and irritating foods. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Ulcers or Pancreas?
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Regarding pancreatic enlargement? Previously, I had stomach discomfort and an endoscopy revealed gastritis. For precaution, I returned to the doctor who performed an ultrasound and found an enlarged head of the pancreas measuring 4.2 x 2.4 cm (not fasting). Later, the doctor orde...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally, there is no specific term for congenital pancreatic enlargement. Please arrange for an abdominal ultrasound follow-up for confirmation. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Should You Seek Further Evaluation?
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Pancreatic enlargement Due to discomfort in my stomach, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a nearby small hospital, which revealed mild gastroesophageal reflux. As a precaution, the doctor recommended an ultrasound. The results showed an enlargement of the head of...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The enlargement of the pancreatic head may have several possible causes as mentioned by the physician, including pancreatitis, autoimmune diseases, pancreatic cancer, and congenital anomalies. It is recommended to monitor the condition and seek medical attention if symptom...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroesophageal reflux is very bothersome? Honestly, over the past six months, I've felt quite hopeless about this condition. I'm only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last year, I underwent an...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not always correlate between endoscopic findings and clinical symptoms; for instance, endoscopic grading may be A or B while symptoms are severe, and some may have endoscopic grades C or D but exhibit mild symptoms. 2. GERD...[Read More] Understanding GERD: A Young Adult's Struggle with Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding GERD: Treatment Challenges and Patient Concerns
Issues in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) To be honest, I have felt quite hopeless about this condition over the past six months. I am only 24 years old and have been dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since last year. In August of last ye...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that is prone to recurrence, especially in individuals with a hiatal hernia. In addition to pharmacological treatment, the following lifestyle and dietary recommendations are suggested: minimize smoking and alcohol cons...[Read More] Understanding GERD: Treatment Challenges and Patient Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What It Reveals About Your Organs
Examination methods If the abdominal ultrasound examination during a health check-up shows no issues, does that mean that the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys are all normal?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the structures, while liver and kidney function should be assessed through blood tests. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound: What It Reveals About Your Organs
Do You Need a CT Scan After Normal Abdominal Ultrasound Results?
Ultrasound Issues 2 If the abdominal ultrasound examination of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen is normal, is it still necessary to request a CT scan from the doctor?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether to proceed with a CT scan should be determined by the treating physician, based on the necessity of the scan. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Do You Need a CT Scan After Normal Abdominal Ultrasound Results?
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Left abdominal distension with left flank pain? I have been troubled by this issue for three to four months. I experience swelling in the left side of my abdomen, and my left flank feels sore and painful. When exposed to air conditioning or a fan, it feels as if something is bein...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the left abdomen and even left lower back pain should consider several possibilities, including issues related to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and even the left urinary tract. Given the accompanying bowel symptoms, the likelihood of colorectal disease i...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Changes in Bowel Movements
Abdominal and bowel issues? I would like to ask the doctor about some unusual sensations I've been experiencing in my abdomen and during bowel movements over the past two weeks. The area of concern is about five to six centimeters above my navel, slightly to the right. Occas...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiaomi, in some aspects, there is a greater possibility of gastrointestinal (duodenal) and gallbladder dysfunction. The pancreas should also be considered. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic and take medication for 1-2 weeks, then we can decide on further e...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Changes in Bowel Movements
Understanding Ultrasound Results: Do Normal Findings Rule Out Liver and Gallbladder Issues?
Ultrasound Issues The doctor arranged for a liver and gallbladder ultrasound, and the results showed no issues. The doctor mentioned that the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas are all normal, indicating that the abdominal pain is not caused by these organs. I would like to...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Every type of examination has a certain degree of accuracy and precision; there is no test that is 100% accurate. However, the diagnostic rate can be improved through the physician's interpretation combined with a thorough inquiry into the patient's medical histo...[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound Results: Do Normal Findings Rule Out Liver and Gallbladder Issues?