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biopsy for cirrhosis dx

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Posted 4/23/2011 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
why is a biopsy only done sometimes?  what is the benefit of doing it?  does it make a difference if one is done or not?
Posted 4/23/2011 7:06 PM (GMT 0)

Emma, a biopsy is the definitive way to determine the extent of liver damage and what is really going on.  For example, with my first biopsy, it was done to determine if my hep C positive was something I'd had contact with but my immune system had successfully fought, or if it were active hep C which was currently attacking my system.  The 2nd one was done to ascertain if there was cirrhosis (there was, but not with the first one 14 yrs. prior.)

Some people are felt to be at risk for profuse bleeding and not good candidates for biopsy.  Sometimes people receive transjugular biopsies instead of percutaneous ones.  It's all on an individual basis.  These days, much can be learned from MRIs and blood work, though not cirrhosis.

Perhaps Dany can tell you more.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 4/23/2011 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
To my knowledge my hubby hasn't had a liver biopsy but when the GI Doc did his EGD he biopsied his stomach? The report said his stomach lining looks like fish scales. It's no wonder! I'm sure whiskey eats it up! His diagnosis of cirrhosis came from the u/sound...I know sometimes the biopsy of the liver comes with risks?? Is that why they don't always do one?
Posted 4/23/2011 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
"I know sometimes the biopsy of the liver comes with risks?? Is that why they don't always do one?"

Yes.

I've never been aware of a sonogram showing cirrhosis or not.  But perhaps technology has advanced to the degree that it can be seen.  It CAN show tumors, though.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 4/24/2011 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
I believe that a ultrasound can pick up very advanced cirrhosis. A fibroscan is also a good way of assessing scarring on the liver it is a good alternative to a biopsy.
Posted 4/24/2011 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
My husband was another one who never had a biopsy. They said that it was too risky for him.
Posted 4/24/2011 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
According to my transplant team and 2 hepatologists I've been to, a biopsy is the "gold standard" for determining changes, or damage to ones liver. In my case the biopsy that took place last fall was to see if my new liver was being rejected and to see if there was fibrosis. They were fine, but my Hep C was acting up, therefore I'm doing the interferon/ribavirin treatment. Having had numerous x rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs, a biopsy often catches what other tests don't.
Posted 4/24/2011 6:45 PM (GMT 0)

Hepmom, thanks for reminding us about the fibroscan, though I don't know if that's widely available.

Hugs,

Connie

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