How should I prepare for my first visit to a hepatologist?
To prepare for your first visit to a hepatologist at Aster Medcity Kochi, gather your medical history, including previous diagnoses, medications, allergies, and a list of questions or concerns you wish to discuss regarding your liver health.
How do hepatologists decide if surgery is necessary?
Hepatologists determine the need for surgery based on the underlying liver condition, disease severity, and response to medical treatment. They assess the patient's overall health status and consult with surgical specialists to make informed decisions about surgical intervention.
When should I consider seeing a hepatologist?
Consider seeing a hepatologist at Aster Medcity Kochi if you experience symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or abnormal liver function test results that warrant further evaluation and specialized care.
What documents should I carry on my first visit to a hepatologist?
For the first visit to a hepatologist at Aster Medcity Kochi, it's recommended to bring all relevant medical records, including past test results, imaging scans, medication lists, and insurance information for comprehensive evaluation.
What are the most common types of conditions that hepatologists treat?
Common liver conditions treated by hepatologists include hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver tumors, and autoimmune liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis.
Will a hepatologist help manage side effects during treatment?
Hepatologists play a crucial role in managing side effects during treatment by closely monitoring medication responses, adjusting dosages as needed, and providing supportive care to minimize discomfort and enhance treatment effectiveness.
What question should you ask a hepatologist?
Key questions to ask a hepatologist at Aster Medcity Kochi include inquiries about the diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and long-term management strategies for liver diseases.
How does a hepatologist decide on a treatment plan?
During the treatment planning process, hepatologists consider the patient's medical history, diagnostic test results, and the stage of the liver disease. They prioritize effective therapies such as medications, lifestyle modifications, or advanced procedures like liver transplant based on the patient's specific needs.
What does a hepatologist do?
A hepatologist at Aster Medcity Kochi specializes in diagnosing and treating liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and liver cirrhosis. They evaluate patients using blood tests, imaging, and liver biopsies to determine the best treatment plan tailored to each individual's condition.
How liver cancer is diagnosed?
Liver cancer is diagnosed by performing following tests and procedures; It is not possible to diagnose hepatic cancer by doing normal blood tests. A specific blood test is done to find levels of alfa-fetoprotein in serum (AFP). Increased levels of AFP indicate presence of liver cancer. Sometimes the doctor may suggest imaging studies such as a CT or MRI scan. Liver biopsy is another method used to identify malignant or benign tumour. It is done is by removing tissue from liver and examining under the microscope, liver biopsy can be done along with CT scan. Another method to identify liver cancer is by doing laparoscopy, in this procedure the surgeon assesses the signs of hepatocellular carcinoma by inserting a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip (laparoscope) by making a small incision in the abdomen.
