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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
My liver biospy showed scar tissue and cirrhosis
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
My liver biospy showed scar tissue and cirrhosis
by Notalrightind, May 31, 2004 12:00AM
I am very upset and afraid. On October 23, 2003 I was Dx with HCV. and after verious tests on May 28, 2004. I was told by my doctor that scar tissue in my liver rated on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being cirrhosis or a lot of scar tissue would be 2. I than was encouraged to consider treatment.
Is Cancer and Cirrhosis the same Illnessd? Or how do each differ from the other? I thought HCV was my biggest problem, now I also have Liver Cirrhosis, please help me .
I Work in a very stressful job, with lots of over-time. I don't know if I can handle treatment and not show I am weak and sick.
I am going to see my doctor next week and I want to have questions to ask concerning Cirrhosis and HCV.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I HAVE TO TELL YOU ALL THIS WEB SITE IS VERY VERY VERY GOOD, BECAUSE IT GIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK AND AFRAID MEDICAL HELP AND SUPPORT WHEN THEY NEED IT.
SINCERELY
NOTALRIGHTIND
Is Cancer and Cirrhosis the same Illnessd? Or how do each differ from the other? I thought HCV was my biggest problem, now I also have Liver Cirrhosis, please help me .
I Work in a very stressful job, with lots of over-time. I don't know if I can handle treatment and not show I am weak and sick.
I am going to see my doctor next week and I want to have questions to ask concerning Cirrhosis and HCV.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I HAVE TO TELL YOU ALL THIS WEB SITE IS VERY VERY VERY GOOD, BECAUSE IT GIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK AND AFRAID MEDICAL HELP AND SUPPORT WHEN THEY NEED IT.
SINCERELY
NOTALRIGHTIND
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 31, 2004 12:00AM
, May 31, 2004 12:00AM
Thank you for your kind words.
Cancer and cirrhosis are not the same thing. In cirrhosis of the liver, scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue, blocking the flow of blood through the organ and preventing it from working as it should.
Hepatitis C is one of the major causes of cirrhosis. Infection with this virus causes inflammation of and low grade damage to the liver that over several decades can lead to cirrhosis. The fact that you have cirrhosis likely means that treatment for hepatitis C would be in your best interest.
Liver cancer are tumors that form within the liver. There are many types of tumors in the liver. It is likely that the cirrhosis is due to hepatitis C and less likely cancer. To further determine this, imaging with an ultrasound or CT scan can be done.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Cancer and cirrhosis are not the same thing. In cirrhosis of the liver, scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue, blocking the flow of blood through the organ and preventing it from working as it should.
Hepatitis C is one of the major causes of cirrhosis. Infection with this virus causes inflammation of and low grade damage to the liver that over several decades can lead to cirrhosis. The fact that you have cirrhosis likely means that treatment for hepatitis C would be in your best interest.
Liver cancer are tumors that form within the liver. There are many types of tumors in the liver. It is likely that the cirrhosis is due to hepatitis C and less likely cancer. To further determine this, imaging with an ultrasound or CT scan can be done.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
