Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Amylase and lipase? I would like to ask about my son's situation. He is in his twenties and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in August 2022. During an emergency visit, his lipase level was 82. When we followed up with a gastroenterologist, the doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Causes of elevated lipase levels include acute and chronic pancreatitis, renal failure, cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, duodenal ulcers, pancreatic stones, pancreatic tumors, diabetes, hepatitis C infection, HIV infection, hyperlipasemia, inflammatory bowel d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Risks
Pancreatic tumor Dear Dr. Lin, In July, my husband underwent a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan originally intended to monitor his lungs, but it unexpectedly revealed a pancreatic tumor approximately 3.2 cm in size with low density. We promptly returned to the thoracic s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
A cyst in the body of the pancreas larger than three centimeters may sometimes be difficult to identify on imaging. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been arranged, and it does not communicate with the bile duct. There are no nodules within the tumor, leaning towards a serous cy...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Diagnosis, Treatment Options, and Risks
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Stool Color Changes Explained
Pancreatic cancer? 1. Is it possible for the stool of a patient with pancreatic cancer to show a combination of yellow-brown and gray-white colors? 2. Can the stool of a patient with pancreatic cancer alternate between gray-white one day and yellow-brown the next day?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Pancreatic cancer can cause stool to appear partially yellow-brown and partially gray-white. When there is biliary obstruction, the stool may appear gray-white. The color of the stool is related to the degree of bile duct obstruction. Pancreatic tumors, especially those in the he...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cancer: Stool Color Changes Explained
Comparing CT and EUS for Accurate Diagnosis of Pancreatic Tumors
The role of CT and EUS in the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors? Regarding the previous inquiry, I would like to ask the physician about the effectiveness of EUS in diagnosing pancreatic tumors compared to other methods. Does EUS provide clearer detection of pancreatic tumors or can...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Usually, pancreatic lesions are first detected through a CT scan or MRI, after which an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is arranged for closer observation of the lesions (to differentiate between solid lesions and cystic lesions). If a CT scan or MRI does not reveal any abnorm...[Read More] Comparing CT and EUS for Accurate Diagnosis of Pancreatic Tumors
Choosing Between Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Biliary Issues
Biliary and pancreatic examination I would like to ask the doctor which method is more suitable for examining biliary and pancreatic issues: 1. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or 2. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)? What are the major differences between the two?...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is primarily used to diagnose the dilation or narrowing of the bile duct/pancreatic duct, as well as to identify any intraductal tumors. It can also be used to remove stones from the bile duct. 2. Endoscopic Ultrasou...[Read More] Choosing Between Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Biliary Issues
Exploring Endoscopic Ultrasound Resources for Gastrointestinal Issues
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) Does this hospital have resources for endoscopic ultrasound examinations?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, our Gastroenterology Department has endoscopic ultrasound equipment that requires evaluation and arrangement by a physician. Endoscopic ultrasound can be used for the staging of early esophageal and gastric tumors, as well as the differential diagnosis of submucosal tumors...[Read More] Exploring Endoscopic Ultrasound Resources for Gastrointestinal Issues
Should You Remove a Pancreatic Tumor? Understanding MRI Reports
Is surgical resection necessary for this tumor based on the pancreatic MRI report? Recently, a family member experienced severe abdominal pain (radiating to the back) and underwent an MRI examination, which revealed a tumor in the pancreas. The hospital that performed the MRI sug...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
It is advisable not to rely solely on the report's content; it is important to consult with a clinical physician for their opinion.[Read More] Should You Remove a Pancreatic Tumor? Understanding MRI Reports
Could My Symptoms Indicate a Possible Pancreatic Tumor?
Is there a possibility of pancreatic tumor? Hello Doctor, I am 29 years old and here is my situation. Recently, on a night in November, I felt a dull ache and bloating in my right abdomen. For several days, I have had a slight sensation in my right upper abdomen, but it is not as...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Your symptoms can be explained by gallstones. If the doctor has diagnosed you with no pancreatic tumor and multiple tests have shown the same results, there is no need to worry too much.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate a Possible Pancreatic Tumor?
Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Is the risk of cancer high? Hello, doctor. I researched some symptoms of jaundice in adults. In this stage, hepatitis is the primary cause of jaundice, especially chronic hepatitis B and C. Some patients may progress to cirrhosis or develop liver cancer, which can severely affect...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to monitor the changes in the indices. If the jaundice is caused by diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, or liver, the indices will gradually increase. At that time, a physician will evaluate what kind of examinations should be arranged. You should also ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Cancer Related to Jaundice Symptoms
Understanding Pancreatic Variations: Concerns and Next Steps After Diagnosis
Please provide more details regarding the pancreatic issues you are experiencing? Hello, Dr. Lin. A month ago, when I returned to Taiwan and underwent a comprehensive health check at Asia University Hospital, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a hyperechoic nodule approximately 1 c...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Congenital variations of the pancreas are not common and are difficult to examine. Some are discovered only after an unexplained episode of pancreatitis. The most sensitive examination for pancreatic tumors is endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which can detect tumors smaller th...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Variations: Concerns and Next Steps After Diagnosis
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 Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B carrier with an abnormal rise in AFP to 588? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. My current status is as follows: AST 23, ALT 28, AFP 583. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT, and MRI, but the reason for the continuous increase in AFP remains unclear. M...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated AFP levels are commonly caused by chronic hepatitis, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Tumors that frequently secrete AFP include pancreatic tumors, gastric tumors, colorectal tumors, and bronchial tumors, as well as pregnancy in women and tes...[Read More] Understanding Rising AFP Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Hyperbilirubinemia Hello doctor, over the past year, I have been preparing for graduate school and have experienced long-term insomnia, which has caused my eyes to appear slightly greenish-yellow. I underwent tests and found out that I have elevated bilirubin levels, which is cau...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The physician will determine the cause of jaundice through the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and various imaging studies. This will lead to further treatment. Jaundice is an abnormal condition in whi...[Read More] How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pancreatic tumor Dear Dr. Zhang Yuting, Hello! I would like to briefly summarize my medical history for your reference. 1. Hepatitis B (maternal transmission) 2. Car accident (fractured jaw, surgery performed) 3. Uterine fibroids (surgically removed approximately 0.6 kg) 4. Ch...
Dr. Zhang Yuting Reply:
Your issue is quite complex, and based on your description, the most likely problem is a chronic pancreatic neck tumor. There are several possibilities regarding your pancreatic neck tumor: one is that it is a malignant tumor (as chronic pancreatitis is a high-risk factor for pan...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Key Insights and Information
Please ask your question? What is Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
This is commonly known as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Due to the pancreatic tumors in these patients, there is excessive gastric acid secretion, which can lead to severe ulcers and diarrhea; however, this condition is rarely diagnosed in patients.[Read More] Understanding Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Key Insights and Information