Following a routine ultrasound a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with multiple liver cysts including one large one (15cm).
Liver blood tests showed raised ggt and alkaline phosphate. Ayear ago they were 95 and 135 respectively. My GP referred me to a liver specialist who remarked that he sees much higher levels than that!
In June this year they had increased to 169 and 171 so my GP has referred me again. I realise that my condition is nothing compared to many others, but feel that I deserve to know what is causing this increase. Is it linked to the cysts? Any advice on what I should ask the specialist. I felt he was very dismissive last time
I am a moderate drinker and bmi around 24.
Written by
Grandma-Pat
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Raised ALP and GGT often point to a biliary issue which could be tied in with your cysts if they are having an impact on your bile ducts within the liver - yours arn't particularly screaming high but worth investigating. Could also be something as simple as gall stones - I am not going to be ageist here but gall stones are extremely common in the more mature lady.
Hopefully you get some follow up soon and you get some answers.
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Mt ggt is very very high and I'm waiting for an appointment with gastro , it's finally come through for the end of October. I'm really worried . I had my gall bladder removed about 15 years ago. I don't have any symptoms, it was just found after blood test which I have every few months because of cholesterol and blood pressure tablets . I was never a big drinker in my youth and I haven't had a drink for 15 or so years .
I had raised ggt in the high 100’s with otherwise normal blood work. After a few weeks of being super scared I had a scan and it was found that I have many small gallstones and a bit of fatty liver. Certainly makes me more aware of what I am eating(never been a drinker) but I am otherwise fine. I was told ggt is very sensitive and can raise for a variety of reasons like taking a Tylenol or even stress. I know it’s hard but try not to worry too much- the best news for you is that you feel pretty good. When I was worrying my pcp said he could not promise nothing was wrong but that people with advanced liver disease are not walking around symptom free. I will be praying for you to hear all good results!
GGT is quite poor at determining if you do have a liver issue. Why? Because it is so sensititve it "complains" (raises up) when anything is wrong. As was said below, have some stress, skip a good nights sleep and take a tylenol and GGT will go up, at least a little.
GGT is quite good, however, at telling you "all is probably well". Because it is so "touchy", if you have normal GGT you are probably in good shape. The respected Mayo Clininc in the USA writes - to paraphrase "Low or Normal GGT indicates that you are unlikely to have serious liver disease".
I guess a comparison could be to ggt being like a small dog that barks at just about anything going on outside. A postman, a rabbit, another dog, wind rustling the trees, or (on some occasions) and evil person like a robber. The dogs could be something bad or nothing too serious. The dog is not a reliable indicator of true danger.
However, if the dog is peaceful and at rest, there is a good chance "all is well" outside your front door.
Please note, no test is perfect, misreading's happen, and GGT must be taken into context with all other bloods, scans, etc. Simply put, mistakes happen, but those are not common.
Perhaps now you understand a bit better why your doctor wasn't too bent out of shape when he saw the test scores.
Also please note that I am NOT a doctor or medical professional, I am going by what I have read about this and what my doctors have told me. You could have completely different issues taking place. DON'T just listen to me, I am just a silly internet message board poster, not any kind of "professional", please consult with your team.
This is the overview I was talking about; it is a good read. Stay strong, exercise, eat well, sleep well and good luck!
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