Aa
diagnosing cirrhosis
What is the most accurate examination to know if you have liver fibrosis or cirrhosis?
Well it certainly puts you in a very good place, it means no scarring, it doesnt how ever rule out liver disease, such as AIH, Hep-c, b etc
Can I ask why you have had a Fibroscan or suspect liver scarring?
Can I ask why you have had a Fibroscan or suspect liver scarring?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Welcome to the cirrhosis community.
There is no one test for cirrhosis. As it can manifest itself in different ways in different people so a thorough work up should be performed. Should cirrhosis be found it is important the the extent or liver disease is determined so that proper ongoing disease management can be done. To prevent further damage to the liver if possible or if the disease is too advanced that the option of liver transplantation is considered.
The diagnosis of cirrhosis is usually based on the presence of a risk factor for cirrhosis, such as hepatitis infection, chronic alcoholism, a history of genetic factors, signs of fatty liver disease, etc. and is confirmed by physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.
The doctor will ask about the person's medical history any symptoms and perform a thorough physical examination to look for signs of advanced liver disease. Blood tests may be helpful as the physical signs of cirrhosis in early cirrhosis are not always obvious. To view the liver itself directly for signs of enlargement, reduced blood flow, or other typical complications resulting from the cirrhosis, the doctor may order imaging studies of the liver and the surrounding abdomen using ultrasound, CT or MRI. A liver biopsy or FibroScan can confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis but is not always necessary if the signs of the cirrhosis are already obvious.
It is best to talk to your primary doctor who is already aware of your medical history. Should she want you to see someone who has more specialized knowledge of liver disease and cirrhosis they may refer you to a gastroenterologist who specializes in diseases of the digestive system or a hepatologist who specializes in diseases of the liver and especially more advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis and its complications.
Thank you for your question.
Best of luck to you.
Hector
There is no one test for cirrhosis. As it can manifest itself in different ways in different people so a thorough work up should be performed. Should cirrhosis be found it is important the the extent or liver disease is determined so that proper ongoing disease management can be done. To prevent further damage to the liver if possible or if the disease is too advanced that the option of liver transplantation is considered.
The diagnosis of cirrhosis is usually based on the presence of a risk factor for cirrhosis, such as hepatitis infection, chronic alcoholism, a history of genetic factors, signs of fatty liver disease, etc. and is confirmed by physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.
The doctor will ask about the person's medical history any symptoms and perform a thorough physical examination to look for signs of advanced liver disease. Blood tests may be helpful as the physical signs of cirrhosis in early cirrhosis are not always obvious. To view the liver itself directly for signs of enlargement, reduced blood flow, or other typical complications resulting from the cirrhosis, the doctor may order imaging studies of the liver and the surrounding abdomen using ultrasound, CT or MRI. A liver biopsy or FibroScan can confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis but is not always necessary if the signs of the cirrhosis are already obvious.
It is best to talk to your primary doctor who is already aware of your medical history. Should she want you to see someone who has more specialized knowledge of liver disease and cirrhosis they may refer you to a gastroenterologist who specializes in diseases of the digestive system or a hepatologist who specializes in diseases of the liver and especially more advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis and its complications.
Thank you for your question.
Best of luck to you.
Hector
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