Comments on: When to consider a Liver Biopsy

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:30:20 +0000

Hi I was diagnosed with fatty liver 3 years ago. Recently I had another ultrasound done and they found a lesion on the left lobe of my liver. I then had a CT scan done and the doctor told me that it only could confirm the lesion but he was unable to specify what type of lesion it was. My doctor suggested waiting 3 months and then having another CT scan done to see if the lesion grows in size. I am 30 yrs old and do not drink much, I have also completely changed my diet and am now working out every day. I am scared it could be cancer and do not know why he could not tell me what type of lesion it was. Should i consider a biopsy in the mean time? My AFP level of 1.7 and all other tests except for my enzyme levels were within normal ranges.
Thank you

By: Mark Bar-Gomel

Mark Bar-Gomel — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:23:15 +0000

Hello Silvia,

Liver enlargement can be causes by many reasons. Have you done any liver functions blood test?
If so, please share the results?

Regards,
Dr. Mark Bar-Gomel

By: silvia

silvia — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:09:47 +0000

Hello doctor

For some days i had slight pain on my right abdomen, today i went to the doctor, and done ultrasonography..
and the report is hepatomegaly… and written LIVER IS ENLARGED 145mm… I am only 24, female.. 5′ 3″‘…weight 80 kg

pls doctor tell me is something serious??

By: Mark Bar-Gomel

Mark Bar-Gomel — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:24:45 +0000

Hello Ileannj,

There are some cases what a liver biopsy is needed. I’m not familiar with your specific case, but a liver biopsy is typically needed when there are sign of fatty liver in ultrasound scan but the blood test results show normal enzyme levels.

Have they told you the reason behind the need for liver biopsy?

Regards,
Dr. Mark Bar-Gomel

By: Ileannj

Ileannj — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:11:10 +0000

I have been diagnosed with non alcholic fatty liver. They want to do a liver biopsy to see what stage it is in…does this make sense?

By: Lady38

Lady38 — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:20:33 +0000

Hi, I recently had some blood tests done and my doctor phoned saying my ggt was high, also esr. In march my ggt was 46 and June it was 70, a week later it was 72. My doctor sent me for an ultrasound scan, I’m waiting on the results but the doc doing the scan said my liver doesn’t look fatty or damaged. What does this mean? Will I need further testing if nothing shows up on my scan. I went to the doctors with many symptoms weight loss being 1. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and a polyp. Had polyp removed and awaiting op for removal of fibroids. I’m on decapeptyl injections, could that cause my ggt to rise?
Nic

By: Ann Flanagan

Ann Flanagan — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:07:09 +0000

My ALT and AST levels have remanded consistent and with in range for the past several years ( except for last month they jumped to 82 on a scale of 30-65) however my platelet count has dropped over the past several years it is 156 on scale of 159 -386 and has been consist. One Gastroenterologist stated to me that the low platelet number points to cerrhosis while a 2nd Gastroenterologist didn’t even review my platelet number and until I brought it up felt I had no issues with my liver at all. What is you opinion regarding platelet count and cirrhosis?

By: Mark Bar-Gomel

Mark Bar-Gomel — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:04:03 +0000

Hi Mike,
The uniqueness of fatty liver disease is that it doesn’t really have any “real life” symptoms. The fact you do not have any pain doesn’t mean you do not have the disease.
The blood test is only the first step for proper fatty liver diagnosis. A biopsy is needed only at certain cases, and in your case I would suggest taking an abdominal ultrasound scan.
The ultrasound scan should show up exactly what type of fatty liver you have (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). The fact that you are overweight and drink alcohol, could mean either way.

Best regards,
Dr. Mark Bar-Gomel

By: Mike Replie

Mike Replie — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 11:51:52 +0000

I went for an ultra-sound and the doctors office called and said I had fatty liver. They set up a consult with the Gastro doctor in a few weeks. My alt was 198 and the alp was 66. I have hemochromotosis and have a ferritin level of 398. Do you think I will have to get a biopsy? All the other organs I said were fine. I am overweight, 39, and drink too much. Not every day but normally my fair share on Friday/Saturday. I have no pain or other symptoms associated with liver disease as I have researched. Thanks.

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:42:28 +0000

My wife had very high levels of ALT in October last year (over 2500). By February of this year they had returned to normal levels. She had a liver ultrasound scan in November which did not show any abnormality. Following a routine blood test in June, her ALT level was again high at 1,500. What would cause this? Her consultant has recommended a liver biopsy.

By: Mark Bar-Gomel

Mark Bar-Gomel — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:30:10 +0000

Levie,
You should go through liver function blood test and abdominal ultrasound. Please consult with a doctor for further instructions.

- Mark

By: levie hester

levie hester — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:39:01 +0000

can someone help me with this. I have been having pain in my stomach and my liver test was 143/99. my doctor says that she does not what is casuing this, she thinks that it may be my liver and is requesting to take pictures of my liver, do ya think i have fatty liver. my father was a alcoholic. Thanks

By: Mark Bar-Gomel

Mark Bar-Gomel — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 07:44:08 +0000

Adam, its very conditional. In a case where a patient has been already diagnosed with fatty liver, and liver enzyme levels have been lowered, a liver biopsy isn’t recommended.

Is this particular case, a liver biopsy might be considered to rule out other conditions the patient has.

By: Adam Savage

Adam Savage — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:23:11 +0000

“Most liver experts would recommend trying to lower the ALT enzyme levels before performing a liver biopsy”

Would a biopsy be appropriate if:
-Patient has been diagnosed with Fatty Liver
-enzymes had spiked in the past but are now within normal range
-Has had growing consistent aching on right side at the bottom of the rib cage for several weeks (appendix issues have been ruled out)