After husband's check up

[singforjoy]

My husband's mom died of liver/pancreatic cancer. His doctor said to keep a check on his liver enzymes since they were elevated. What does that mean?

[555boston]

Its really difficult to provide any meaningful input from the limited information. Usually when the doctors check liver functions there are 5 different tests they do (ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase, Albumin and bilirubin and some times pro time)) Different conditions affect different liver tests. Usaully abnormal levels of bilirubin, low albumin and prolonged pro time indicate serious problems, elevated alkaline phosphatase indicted obstruction to the bile system (from stones, tumors etc). ALT and AST can be leveated due to inflammation (eg from alcohol, excess fatty liver, excess drugs like tylenol, lipitor etc).
If the doctor recommends "keeping an eye" then thats ok. At least, he/she is aware of the problem and will do more investigations if warranted.

[singforjoy]

Hi,
Did you see my reply back to you? If you know anything at all about this, please let me know. If not, thanks, anyway.

[singforjoy]

This is all I know. It was about a year ago. What does 'elevated enzymes' mean and what are a few causes of it? I can tell you that his eating habits aren't good...he eats fast food a lot because of traveling on the road with his insurance business. He's become pretty stubborn about eating right. For what it's worth, he has taken AllegraD and/or Claritin D every day for years, for allergies. Is that bad?

[555boston]

Which specific liver test were abnormal?
Please post the values so  someone can give you a better answer.