Liver shadow, history of hepatitis, positive cancer screening last year, what should I do?
Disease description:
I have a long history of hepatitis, and recently a shadow was detected in my liver during a physical examination. Additionally, the results of a cancer screening conducted last year were positive. Given these factors, I am very concerned about the possibility of having liver cancer.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gao Jun
Condition Analysis: A liver shadow in imaging examinations typically refers to an area within the liver that shows abnormal density or signal, which may be caused by various factors including, but not limited to, tumors, cysts, hemangiomas, inflammation, and fatty liver disease. Last year's cancer screening result being positive means the patient may be in a high-risk state for cancer.
Guidance Recommendations: The patient should promptly visit the hepatology or oncology department of a hospital for detailed medical examinations, including liver function tests, hepatitis virus testing, tumor marker tests such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and imaging examinations such as contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver, to determine the nature and extent of the liver shadow. Once diagnosed with liver cancer, the treatment plan will be determined according to the size, location, and number of tumors as well as the patient's liver function and overall health status. Treatments may include surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, chemotherapy embolization, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. During treatment, the patient should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress, ensure adequate sleep and appropriate physical activity. At the same time, smoking should be avoided and alcohol consumption limited, and intake of high-fat foods and drug-induced liver injury should be prevented to reduce the burden on the liver.
