Worried

[Addieann]

Is a liver biopsy necessary to diagnose fatty liver or high enzymes, or is a fibroscan just as good?? . I’d rather have a fibroscan. I had ultrasound a year ago, and it showed some scarring. Now they want me to have biopsy. Thanks!!

[Hidden]

Hi

I had biopsy which diagnosed me with Nash. I found it better than fibroscan but others might think differently. Take care Lynne

[Addieann in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!!

[Hidden in reply to Addieann]

You are very welcome. How are you feeling today? Take care Lynne

[Addieann in reply to Hidden]

Having a biopsy this morning... nervous, but I feel good!! Thanks for checking!!

[Chefpat]

I had a Fibroscan done then a biopsy. The fibroscan gave me results showing more severe NASH with significant fibrosis and cirrhosis but the biopsy showed NASH with only mild fibrosis.

[Addieann in reply to Chefpat]

Thank you!!

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Addieann

Neither is a perfect test and like all tests have an error factor. Fibroscan measures liver stiffness and works reasonably well for advanced fibrosis. Biopsy is technically the best because it gives an actual sample of tissue but it is very expensive and has more risk but it has an error rate also. The choice should depend on other factors in your medical record and specifically what the doctor wants to learn because the information you get is different. Fibroscan is fast easy and cheap. Biopsy is the best we have but is expensive and invasive. The question should hinge on what will give you more of what you need to manage your situation with appropriate risk and expense.

Wayne

[SpiceGirl21 in reply to nash2]

Good information. Just like it's important to go to a hepatologist vs. a general practitioner, you might want to ask if (and ensure that) the pathologist has a lot of experience reading liver biopsies. Experience can make a difference. Also, it's important to be aware that, while biopsy is the current "gold standard", it's only taking a small sample of a very large organ and there can be some variation throughout the liver. If there's liver damage, the biopsy provides specific information about it. Unfortunately, if it doesn't show damage, it isn't 100% foolproof.

This information isn't to alarm anyone, but merely to make others aware. Hope it's helpful.

[Addieann]

Thank you!!

[Hidden in reply to Addieann]

Hi

How did your biopsy go? Take care Lynne

[Addieann in reply to Hidden]

It went good, I think!! I’m home, and will hear results in a few days. Thanks!!

[katqueen68]

An MRI will show everything. I had a biopsy for a lesion that had grown. It was tested and ablated. Turned out to be bile duct cancer.

[Hidden in reply to katqueen68]

Hi

How are you feeling now? Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[katqueen68 in reply to Hidden]

Pain is gone under right ribcage. Enjoying hiatus prior to oncology consult. I really don't want chemo but hepa dr said tumor board recommends it for cholangiocarcinoma. I am a 14 yr breast cancer survivor. So not ready to take this monster on again at age 69.

[Hidden]

Hi

I can understand that . I know it's not for me to say but if the board are advising you to have it, then you could ask your Dr the many questions you must have in your head. Life can be so cruel at times, I really don't know what else to say. Thinking of you as always. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love Lynne xxxx