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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
fibrosis Diagnosis
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.
fibrosis Diagnosis
by Liver test, Sep 10, 2005 12:00AM
Concerned about my liver, I don't beleive what my doctor is
telling me. My biopsy said minimal fibrosis is seen with
a grade of (0 1/4+). when I went to my doctor to get the
results he said that was good news as he put it, my liver
should last over 50 years. I was a heavy drinker and he
also said I must stop drinking which I have for 9 months.
My LFT's have been normal for 6 months after they were
evevated. Asked him if i needed to change anything other
than no drinking and he said no. I ask him about other
symptoms that I have (Growling in my stomach, urinate alot,
dark yellow urination in the morning, dry mouth, loss of
weight, and I had a moderate amount of iron present. He
just stated that its not my liver and I'll be fine. Does
his evaluation of my liver should be good for 50 years sound
right. I was suprised especially when I saw the word fibrosis.
I know fibrosis can spread, but it also can stop its progress.
My doctor also said he quaranteed me my liver would be good
for 50 years. Not may doctors will say that. I'll get another
opion, it just seems doctors want to get you in and out
of their office a quickly as possible. Should I worry about
the progression of fibrosis and how long does it take to progress
if my doctor is wrong. Do you think my Doctor was correct that
my liver should be fine for basically my life time.
telling me. My biopsy said minimal fibrosis is seen with
a grade of (0 1/4+). when I went to my doctor to get the
results he said that was good news as he put it, my liver
should last over 50 years. I was a heavy drinker and he
also said I must stop drinking which I have for 9 months.
My LFT's have been normal for 6 months after they were
evevated. Asked him if i needed to change anything other
than no drinking and he said no. I ask him about other
symptoms that I have (Growling in my stomach, urinate alot,
dark yellow urination in the morning, dry mouth, loss of
weight, and I had a moderate amount of iron present. He
just stated that its not my liver and I'll be fine. Does
his evaluation of my liver should be good for 50 years sound
right. I was suprised especially when I saw the word fibrosis.
I know fibrosis can spread, but it also can stop its progress.
My doctor also said he quaranteed me my liver would be good
for 50 years. Not may doctors will say that. I'll get another
opion, it just seems doctors want to get you in and out
of their office a quickly as possible. Should I worry about
the progression of fibrosis and how long does it take to progress
if my doctor is wrong. Do you think my Doctor was correct that
my liver should be fine for basically my life time.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 10, 2005 12:00AM
, Sep 10, 2005 12:00AM
The biopsy shows a very low grade of fibrosis. I would agree that the liver would be an unlikely cause of your symptoms. It is an encouraging sign that the liver function tests are within normal limits. If there is continuing concern about the liver, a hepatitis screen can be done.
As for other tests to find a cause for the symptoms, you can consider an upper endoscopy or upper GI series to look for various causes of dyspepsia (i.e. GERD, inflammation of the upper digestive tract or an ulcer).
Urinary frequency can be evaluated with blood tests for diabetes as well as sending the urine off for urinalysis and evaluation for infection.
These options 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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
As for other tests to find a cause for the symptoms, you can consider an upper endoscopy or upper GI series to look for various causes of dyspepsia (i.e. GERD, inflammation of the upper digestive tract or an ulcer).
Urinary frequency can be evaluated with blood tests for diabetes as well as sending the urine off for urinalysis and evaluation for infection.
These options 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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
John