Conflicting Diagnoses: Ultrasound Reveals Spleen Tumor, CT Scan Denies It
Abdominal ultrasound revealed a tumor in the spleen, but the CT scan showed no evidence of it? Last February, I had an abdominal ultrasound at a gastroenterology clinic, which revealed a 2 cm tumor on my spleen. In March, I followed up at a medical center where the head of the ga...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hemangiomas are benign and generally asymptomatic. A CT scan can be reviewed to discuss why it was not visualized (you may consult the gastroenterology department at the same hospital for further evaluation). If necessary, an MRI scan can be performed.[Read More] Conflicting Diagnoses: Ultrasound Reveals Spleen Tumor, CT Scan Denies It
Understanding Your Ultrasound Report: Insights on Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Examination report issues? Hello Doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound last month, and the doctor mentioned that everything was normal at the time. However, after checking the National Health Insurance app, it indicated fatty liver. The report is as follows: Sonar Findings: - L...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
For mild fatty liver, if overweight, implement a diet and weight loss plan.[Read More] Understanding Your Ultrasound Report: Insights on Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Right-sided abdominal pain inquiry? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you a more detailed question. I appreciate your response. Last year, I experienced discomfort about 3 to 4 times in the same area (right lower abdomen to the pelvic region, with soreness, bloating, and a feel...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: To diagnose Crohn's disease, an endoscopy with biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Whether it is Crohn's disease also requires the clinical judgment of a physician, who will arrange for further examinations. It cannot be diagnosed solely by CT or MRI. C...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
CT vs MRI: Which Imaging is Best for Abdominal Diagnosis?
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for abdominal diagnosis? I would like to ask, since I have already undergone gastroscopy, ultrasound, and colonoscopy, but the discomfort in my upper abdomen has not improved, if I want to pay out of pocket for advance...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you are examining solid organs, a CT scan of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys/adrenal glands, ovaries, and uterus will suffice. However, if you need to reconstruct images of the pancreatic duct or bile duct, an MRI is required. Of course, any lesions vi...[Read More] CT vs MRI: Which Imaging is Best for Abdominal Diagnosis?
Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Occasional pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, I have been experiencing occasional pain in my lower left abdomen for the past two months. I have already undergone a uterine examination with no issues, and a fecal occult blood test showed no abnormalities (as stated by the doct...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Dear Jochi, Without your other medical reports, it is difficult to assess the possibility of gastrointestinal cancer based on the information you provided and to recommend specific tests. I suggest discussing this with your physician. Sincerely, Director Cai Jinji Departm...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding GERD: Symptoms, Dietary Tips, and Concerns
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abdominal bloating? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month and the beginning of this month, I experienced two episodes of acid reflux and suspect I might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As a result, I have reduced my food inta...
Dr. Zhang Kebin Reply:
Hello Mr. Felix, You inquired about experiencing two episodes of acid reflux from the end of last month to the beginning of this month, and you suspect you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You have reduced your food intake and avoided spicy and fried foods. Howev...[Read More] Understanding GERD: Symptoms, Dietary Tips, and Concerns
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 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
Are There Effective Treatments for Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan?
Is there a specific medication for cirrhosis? Hello, Director. I am a bride from Mainland China. My sister-in-law has had hepatitis B since she was young. Due to the lack of obvious symptoms, she did not pay much attention to managing this condition. Now at 40 years old, with fou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to use antiviral medications long-term (such as Baraclude or Hepsera) and to undergo regular ultrasound monitoring.[Read More] Are There Effective Treatments for Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan?
Understanding Your Doctor's Recommendation for a CT Scan After Ultrasound
After the ultrasound, the doctor asked me to undergo a CT scan, which made me a bit anxious? I previously had acute pancreatitis and have been following up with my doctor. During my last visit, the doctor requested a CT scan after I completed an ultrasound, which made me a bit wo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Diagnosis: Hypoechoic change in the pancreas, nature? This likely indicates the presence of a hypoechoic shadow in the pancreatic region, so a CT scan is necessary to confirm if there are any issues. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Your Doctor's Recommendation for a CT Scan After Ultrasound
Understanding Spleen Embolization After Trauma: Function vs. Removal
Splenic embolization In the case of a splenic rupture due to a car accident treated with embolization, the spleen may still retain some function, although it may not be as effective as an intact spleen. Embolization is a procedure that aims to control bleeding by blocking the blo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: After a car accident, the difference between splenic embolization treatment and splenectomy for splenic hemorrhage. After embolization treatment, the spleen still retains some function. Wishing you safety and health! Sincerely, Dr. Ming-Hui Lin, Attending Physician, Depart...[Read More] Understanding Spleen Embolization After Trauma: Function vs. Removal
Understanding Abdominal Sonography: Key Insights and Follow-Up for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Abdominal Sonography (Hepatobiliary Medicine), please analyze and note the follow-up precautions? 1. Liver: - Surface: 1. smooth ( ) 2. uneven (+) 3. nodular ( ) - Parenchyma: 1. homogeneous ( ) 2. heterogeneous (+) 3. coarse ( ) - Vessel: 1. smooth ( ) 2. blunt (+) 3. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Basically, the examination shows only mild fatty liver, so there is no need to worry. Please discuss the details with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Sonography: Key Insights and Follow-Up for Liver and Gallbladder Health
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Follow-Up Care
Pancreatic pseudocyst Hello Doctor Chen: I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my right abdomen for 3-4 years. Sometimes, I also have abdominal pain that radiates to my back (the area is not fixed). My blood test showed a slightly elevated bilirubin level (1.6...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Pancreatic cysts are generally not a major concern, while liver nodules need to be evaluated based on their characteristics. Typically, ultrasound examinations do not specifically emphasize the relationship between height and pancreatic size, but rather observe whether there is a...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello doctor, the company's health check report shows a total bilirubin level of 2.8 mg/dL and a direct bilirubin level of 0.2 mg/dL, which is elevated. The abdominal ultrasound is normal, with mild fatty liver and a 0.4 cm stone in the right kidney...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If there are no hematological disorders, it may be a congenital bile metabolism disorder.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Reports: Key Insights on Liver and Pancreas Health
Abdominal Ultrasound Report Abdominal ultrasound report content: Echo pattern: abnormal, heterogeneous parenchyma Pancreas: negative, head and tail is blocked Spleen: negative Sonar Diagnosis: Parenchymal liver disease score: 5 I would like to ask what these items repr...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that a physician explain it to you personally to avoid misunderstandings or further questions that may arise from a simple literal translation.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Reports: Key Insights on Liver and Pancreas Health
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Intermittent pain in the lower right abdomen for several months? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen since June. It started on the night of June 10th with sudden severe pain in the lower right abdomen, but it coincided with the four...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Right lower abdominal pain, based on anatomical location, should consider either gynecological conditions or issues related to the colon. If there are no gynecological problems, then it is likely a gastrointestinal obstruction. However, gastrointestinal issues are not solely stru...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
I often feel bloated in the upper left abdomen? Hello Doctor: For the past few months, I have frequently felt bloated in my upper left abdomen (below the left rib cage). Even after just drinking milk tea for breakfast, I still feel bloated and uncomfortable (I have been prone to ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. For simple gastrointestinal bloating, adjusting your diet and increasing physical activity to assist intestinal motility is sufficient. If you still have concerns, you can undergo a fecal occult blood test to rule out colorectal diseases. Changhua Hospital cares abou...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Coarse Echo Patterns in Liver Ultrasound: Key Insights for Patients
coarse echogenicity pattern Hello Doctor, the patient is an 89-year-old female who does not consume alcohol, and her blood biochemistry results are normal. The abdominal ultrasound follow-up for the past two years has yielded the following report. I have questions regarding the &...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. In ultrasound terminology, we use "coarse echo," while "fibrosis" is used in pathological sections. Although the terms are similar, they should not be used interchangeably, as this could lead to significant discrepancies. Based on the report, it do...[Read More] Understanding Coarse Echo Patterns in Liver Ultrasound: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Portal Vein Congestion: Implications and Next Steps
Portal vein congestion and swelling? Hello, I recently had a simple health check-up, and the report indicated "portal vein congestion and dilation (diameter 2 cm) without splenomegaly." What does "portal vein congestion and dilation (diameter 2 cm)" mean? What...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the portal vein supplies blood flow to the liver cells. Causes of portal vein enlargement include chronic hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or certain diseases and surgeries that can lead to thrombosis or embolism within the portal vein. Portal hypertension typically...[Read More] Understanding Portal Vein Congestion: Implications and Next Steps