biopsy

[maxygirl]

how do you know when to get one?  Dr. hasn't said so and my blood work today was normal.  I found out by accident that I had it because I was being tested for something else.

[pjhep80]

there is the fibroscan test and also the fibrosure blood test, i had a biop 3-4 years ago stage 2 grade 2 just had the fibrosure blood test and it showed the same results

[fretboard]

There's alot of doctor's who won't mention it, there are still quite a few doctors who don't believe in tx.  The good thing is is there seems to be more who do believe in tx.  Whatever the case is, you really need to be an advocate for yourself.  The first things are genotype, then viral load.  After you know these two, then you would most likely ask to be scheduled for a biopsy.  That way you can be told what your stage and grade are to determine how much damage has already happened and what you want to do about it.  good luck

[IMstacie]

Hi Bill - you seem to have a little knowledge on the subject - I didn't get a biopsy, I'm on week 10 of tx riba/peg.  I was actually afraid.  I had decided to treat anyway, why get the biopsy?  Isn't there another way that is non-invasive?  

[Bill1954]

Andiamo has given you the most straightforward answer one could get for that question; it’s hard to improve on it. One item; sometimes doctors do not feel a biopsy is indicated for genotype 2 or 3 patients. If you are thinking about postponing treatment for a long period of time, you might want to request biopsy to help drive that decision. I agree; biopsies don’t hurt much; and they are done on an outpatient basis.

Good luck—

Bill

[Andiamo1]

If there is a reason to think you might have fibrosis, you should get one.  If you have HCV for a number of years, didn't know you had it and drank alcohol, you should get a biopsy to see how the disease has progressed.

They are not painful, just boring; you have to lay in bed for a few hours after the biopsy.