liver readings ????

  to be brief.... November 97 I had pain in my right upper side just  at the tip my  lower rib cage,  tests ruled out gall stones
  I was still in pain so my gastroenterologist done a endoscopy thinking it may be an ulcer....results were 3/4 of the stomach showed early signs of cancer (no mass's )  just leasions. at a second oppinion at Ann Arbour Cancer center, it was sugested that I had radiation treatment which I did (17 treatments) to the whole stomache later biopsies were good, but in the mean time as usual in cancer cases blood tests were taken &  revealed "something wrong with my liver" SEVERAL tests were done & liver scan. More blood work & each time the reading were high  (now my last CT scan in October revealed "mass in pelvis suspicious of neoplasm" I have an appointment with my Gyni already booked) but I'm confused as to why I have to see about the mass first when for 6 months my liver reading have been high & CLIMBING STEADILY untill the results  which are now  (what exactly is) AST (SGOT) 72
  ALT(SGPT)154  & GGTP 290......I'm 46 dont drink or smoke, & have had a hystorectomy several years ago & am not overweight. thanks any info would be greatfuly received
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Dear Linda M,
I am uncertain regarding the significance of the ' gastric early cancer' and the extent of the workup.  In situations like the one that you describe it is very important to verify that there is no tumor under the surface i.e. in the wall of the stomach.  Endoscopic ultrasound is the best way to do this evaluation.  A CT scan of the abdomen does not have the sensitivity for diagnosis.
The elevations of AST, ALT and GGT suggest hepatic inflammation, i.e. injury or destruction of individual liver cells.  The Ct scan has, for all intents and purposes, excluded obstruction of the bile duct and mass lesions of the liver.  Possible causes for this pattern of liver test elevations include: chronic viral hepatitis ( due to Hepatitis B or C0, autoimmune liver disease, fatty liver ( even though you are not overweight), possibly medication-induced liver disease, and less likely metabolic liver disease (Wilson's disease [excessive copper in liver] and hemochromatosis [excessive iron].  
Often, a liver biopsy is needed to make a diagnosis.  It is customary, however, to do the appropriate blood and urine tests, before considering liver biopsy.
This information is presented for educational purposes only. Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.  If you wish a second opinion, we would be happy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology of Henry Ford health System.  WE would review your records and make suggestions regarding future management.  You can arrange an appoinment by calling our Physician Referral Line at [phone]
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: liver test
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