Stage CIRRHOSIS

[Sjunell8675309]

I had a liver biopsy to stage my PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis )2 weeks ago.I got the final report diagnosis online It says. Biliary cirrhosis (HCC)CIRRHOSIS. I think it means stage 4 pbc.Any Ideas?

[HectorSF]

Thanks fntn, for the explanation about H-C-C. Good info!
I had never seen that three-letter acronym used with liver disease other than Hepatocellular Carcinoma, my reason for transplant.

Here is the info on the 571.6 code diagnosis. ICD-9-CM codes are used in medical billing and coding to describe diseases, injuries, symptoms and conditions.

ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code 571.6

Disease Synonyms

    Primary biliary cirrhosis
    Primary biliary cirrhosis, stage 4
    Secondary biliary cirrhosis

Clinical Information

A form of biliary cirrhosis in which small intrahepatic ducts are destroyed while the major intra and extra hepatic ducts remain patent; most patients are middle aged females and have circulating antimitochondrial antibodies

Cirrhosis of the liver caused either by destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis) or blockage of the extrahepatic bile ducts (secondary biliary cirrhosis)

Fibrosis of the hepatic parenchyma due to obstruction of bile flow (cholestasis) in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts (bile ducts, intrahepatic; bile ducts, extrahepatic). Primary biliary cirrhosis involves the destruction of small intra-hepatic bile ducts and bile secretion. Secondary biliary cirrhosis is produced by prolonged obstruction of large intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts from a variety of causes

Applies To

Chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis
Cirrhosis:
     cholangitic
     cholestatic

Good luck with your Friday appointment with your hepatologist.
I'm sure you will learn more about your condition and what you can do to best mange it.
Hector

[fntn]

I think the HCC, as listed with your diagnosis, simply means that it is a major category used for highlighting a patient's condition. The reference is: HCC .... Hierarchical-Condition-Categories. So you don't need to be too concerned about cancer. I have the same listings myself on my three major diagnosis conditions. Btw, I have a sister disease to your PBC, I'm dealing with something similar called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), end-stage as well.. Take care

[Sjunell8675309]

My liver biopsy was done to stage the pbc. The results online read as follows word for word.  571.6 biliary cirrhosis (HCC)CIRRHOSIS.    I Do have appt on Friday with hepatologist to read it for me but I have the results in front of me and wanted to figure them out for myself.All I can make out of it is its stage 4 pbc not sure if they put hcc in there because I'm high risk or I have it.

[HectorSF]

If you can post the exact wording of the "Findings" and "Impression" of your biopsy report then we can provide some information about the extent of your liver disease.

Please understand that a biopsy is only one part in the diagnosis of PBC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis). Further testing must be done to evaluate the full extent of your PBC.
The diagnosis of PBC is generally based on the following criteria:
(1) evidence of cholestasis with elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity
(2) presence of AMA  as a blood test result
(3) Physical evidance of cholangitis and destruction of small or medium-sized bile ducts if a biopsy is performed.

Your METAVIR score is one of many tools your doctor can use to help assess the amount of liver disease you have and monitor your progress.
What Does My METAVIR Score Mean?
The fibrosis is graded on a 5-point scale from 0 to 4.
0 = no scarring
1 = minimal scarring
2 = scarring has occurred and extends outside the areas in the liver that contains blood vessels
3=bridging fibrosis is spreading and connecting to other areas that contain fibrosis
4=cirrhosis or advanced scarring of the liver

Cirrhosis covers a wide range of liver disease from those with no symptoms to those with End-Stage Liver Disease whose liver is close to failing. So having cirrhosis means different things to different people. Many people live with cirrhosis for many years before liver failure occurs and they need a liver transplant.

HCC means Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Commonly known as liver cancer.
As with almost any form of cirrhosis, there is an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Regular screening for hepatocellular carcinoma with imaging (CTor MRI) with or without alpha fetoprotein at 6-month to 12-month intervals is currently advised for patients with cirrhosis. A diagnosis of liver cancer in someone with cirrhosis is a serious issue and needs to be addressed promptly. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for someone with cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Family members of patients with PBC are at increased risk of developing the disease, particularly among first-degree female relatives including sisters and daughters.  So family members should be screened.

I hope this helps.
Hector