Understanding Abnormal CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels in health checkup? Hello, doctor. At the end of last year, my CEA level was abnormal at 6.71. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease, and in March of last year, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Aside...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels can be elevated in cases of mucosal lesions, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. CEA is a tumor marker primarily associated with colorectal cancer. In addition to colorectal cancer, elevated CEA levels can also be seen in other cancers s...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Worry About Pancreatic Problems
Unsure where the problem lies in the body? Hello doctor, I am currently 22 years old, and I do not smoke or drink alcohol. However, I have been experiencing alternating periods of constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Last week, I visited a gastroenterologist due to these issues,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Early-stage pancreatic cancer typically does not present any symptoms. Pain is usually associated with advanced stages of the disease. Ultrasound can easily detect abnormalities, but by that time, surgical intervention may no longer be an option. Therefore, it is recommended to m...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Worry About Pancreatic Problems
Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Stomach pain issues? Thank you, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. About two months ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my stomach that lasted for one to two weeks. Sometimes I had constipation, and occasionally diarrhea, but I did not have a fever. My bowel mo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to pay attention to your diet and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Common causes of pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, biliary issues, and hyperlipidemia. It is recommended to avoid overly greasy and sweet foods. Blood tests and imaging ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bowel Issues: Possible Signs of Bile Duct Obstruction or Pancreatic Cancer
Bowel issues I've been experiencing some discomfort in my lower back recently, along with some sleep issues. During my last bowel movement, although the stool was brown, I noticed some grayish marks when wiping. I would like to ask the doctor if this could be an early sign o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is merely a normal variation after the digestion of food coloring and is not related to gallbladder or pancreatic disorders.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Possible Signs of Bile Duct Obstruction or Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding Bowel Movements: What Color and Consistency Mean for Your Health
Constipation color? Currently, I am breastfeeding, and sometimes I experience smooth bowel movements while other times I have constipation. Today, I had a hard stool that was not in the typical cylindrical shape. One end was darker in color, while the other end was somewhat grayi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It may be white mucus in the stool; it is advisable to monitor the situation and increase the intake of water and fruits and vegetables.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Movements: What Color and Consistency Mean for Your Health
Understanding Stool Changes: When to Worry About Mucus and Color Variations
Bowel issues Hello, Doctor. I am the one who asked about the breastfed stool with white specks yesterday. Today, I have been drinking a lot of water and going to the bathroom. At first, my stool was hard and dark in color, but later it became formed and light brown. After using t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should be mucus. It is not related to pancreatic cancer.[Read More] Understanding Stool Changes: When to Worry About Mucus and Color Variations
Is Sugar a Major Cause of Pancreatic Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Sugar and Pancreatic Cancer Hello doctor, is sugar one of the main causes of pancreatic cancer? Does consuming too much sugar increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer? I have researched a lot of related information online, but some say it is a cause while others say it i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Polysaccharides are not considered healthy. However, there is currently no published research demonstrating a clear correlation with pancreatic cancer.[Read More] Is Sugar a Major Cause of Pancreatic Cancer? Understanding the Risks
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Acute Pancreatitis in Children
Diet for Pancreatitis Hello Dr. Chen, My child is studying abroad and has no consultation channels, so I would like to seek your expertise. On March 7, after having a large meal, they were diagnosed with moderate to severe acute pancreatitis. After treatment, they returned home...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
After the acute phase, starchy foods can be gradually introduced along with proteins and fats, but it is essential to continue monitoring lipid levels. Bowel movements can be improved with fruits and vegetables, and medications may be used if necessary for regulation.[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Acute Pancreatitis in Children
Understanding CA19-9 and Amylase Levels in Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
CA19-9 Issues The CA 19-9 level of 76.2 and the amylase level of 47 can provide insights into pancreatic health. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker often elevated in pancreatic cancer, with levels above 37 U/mL typically indicating a potential malignancy. A level of 76.2 suggests a possib...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, CA 19-9: 76.2 is elevated and abnormal. Amylase is 47, which is within the normal range. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker associated with pancreatic cancer, but it has low specificity and sensitivity. Conditions such as biliary diseases, gallstones, pancreatitis, gastrointestin...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 and Amylase Levels in Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Persistent pain near the ribs? At the beginning of the month, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis at the hospital after blood tests indicated inflammation. However, it has been a month, and there has been no improvement. I have been trying to maintain a light diet, but the pain in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 31-year-old female is experiencing persistent pain near the rib cage. She has a history of pancreatitis, which can be commonly caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, gallstones, bile duct stones, autoimmune diseases, hypertriglyceridemia, and certain medications....[Read More] Persistent Pain Near Ribs: Understanding Possible Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Pancreatic ultrasound and blood draw? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about my recent abdominal ultrasound and blood tests conducted in the gastroenterology department. My blood tests for CA19-9 and CEA were both normal, and the abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities in ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, pancreatic cancer is associated with several risk factors such as family history, chronic cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and biliary cystic diseases. Inflammation of the bile and pancreas is related to alcohol consumption and gallstones. Currently, if examinations are ...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Health: Normal Ultrasound and Blood Test Results
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal pain Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing abdominal pain since 2019. I had a CT scan, and the doctor said everything was fine. I have a history of gastric ulcers, and this year, I've been having persistent abdominal pain, severe bloating, loss of appetite,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal pain requires differential diagnosis to identify the cause, which may include gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver, as well as abdominal cavity disorders. In the case of a history of gastric ulcers, in additi...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Next Steps for Suspected Pancreatic Cancer: Essential Tests and Recommendations
If pancreatic cancer is suspected, what further tests should be conducted? Hello Doctor, in mid-September, I sought medical attention due to abdominal discomfort and occasional back pain. After undergoing an electrocardiogram and gastroscopy, I was diagnosed with erosive esophagi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Monitoring is the primary focus, and there are currently no other recommendations.[Read More] Next Steps for Suspected Pancreatic Cancer: Essential Tests and Recommendations
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
Understanding Pale Stools: What They Indicate About Your Health
Pale or nearly white stools? Hello Doctor: For the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my abdomen, often feeling the urge to burp and a sensation of something being stuck in my chest and throat. My bowel movements have been irregular, sometimes constipated and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely not a biliary or pancreatic issue (which would be associated with jaundice or weight loss), so there is no need to worry excessively.[Read More] Understanding Pale Stools: What They Indicate About Your Health
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?
Unexplained Weight Loss: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
Weight has been continuously decreasing? Hello doctor, I have recently lost weight from 51 kg to 47 kg over the past three months without any specific dieting. I visited a family physician who conducted tests including stool and thyroid function tests, all of which came back norm...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is not recommended to perform endoscopic ultrasound directly; please follow up with your attending physician for treatment.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks of Recurrence
Pancreatitis issues Hello, doctor. My father experienced severe abdominal pain about 5.6 years ago and went to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. At that time, his enzyme levels were over 10,000, but he did not want to be hospitalized and went hom...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The pancreatic inflammation index usually refers to amylase or lipase levels that rise to more than three times the normal value. 2. Alcohol consumption is the primary cause; additionally, the presence of gallstones (some of which may be small and not visible on a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks of Recurrence
Should You Worry About Mild Stomach Pain? When to See a Doctor
It seems like there is a slight discomfort or pain in the stomach? Recently, I've been experiencing some discomfort in my stomach, feeling a bit bloated and painful, but it seems to have subsided over the past few days. Should I see a doctor? If I wait until the discomfort b...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Ni, please don't scare yourself. Based on your age, the likelihood of stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer is low. I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Should You Worry About Mild Stomach Pain? When to See a Doctor
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates
Pancreatic cancer issues? Doctor, may I ask if there is a chance for a cure if diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? What are the treatment options available? I've heard that pancreatic cancer is the "king of cancers," and whether or not surgery is performed, the progn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Survival/cure rates depend on the stage of the disease.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment Options and Survival Rates