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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
VERY URGENT- uncle's blockage in liver--health quickly deteriorating
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.
VERY URGENT- uncle's blockage in liver--health quickly deteriorating
by I.Foreman, Jun 13, 2006 12:00AM
My closest relative has been in the hospital for almost a month with liver problems. An MRI showed a mass between his liver and kidney. The biopsies came back negative. Many tests have been run and still no one can determine what it is. My uncle's health is quickly deteriorating. He is very jaundice and itching his skin. His kidneys are beginning to fail and he needs dialysis. It seems like such a long time to determine the cause of his liver problems and time is running out--he is suddenly in serious condition. PLEASE give any advice/expertise on how to help!!! I feel he needs the top specialists in this area before it is too late---Can you consult with his doctors by phone??? PLEASE HELP
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 14, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 14, 2006 12:00AM
It is difficult to give a definitive diagnosis over the internet.
Typically a biopsy would be a definitive diagnosis, but there are cases where the biopsy would lead to inconclusive results (i.e. not enough of the mass cells were obtained etc.).
The MRI is a pretty definitive imaging study to evaluate the lesion. You can consider a PET scan to further define the lesion if cancer is suspected.
You are always entitled to another opinion if the clinical course is not improving. Unfortunately, I cannot do personal consultations over the internet.
These considerations can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
kevinmd_
Typically a biopsy would be a definitive diagnosis, but there are cases where the biopsy would lead to inconclusive results (i.e. not enough of the mass cells were obtained etc.).
The MRI is a pretty definitive imaging study to evaluate the lesion. You can consider a PET scan to further define the lesion if cancer is suspected.
You are always entitled to another opinion if the clinical course is not improving. Unfortunately, I cannot do personal consultations over the internet.
These considerations can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
kevinmd_
