A man who believed himself to be in perfect health received an unexpected and life-altering diagnosis after a routine ultrasound uncovered liver cancer. Despite multiple rounds of blood tests showing normal liver function, the discovery came as a shock. The details of this unusual case were shared on social media by Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, widely known as The Liver Doc.
Dr. Philips explained that the man’s only complaint was persistent gas and abdominal discomfort lasting three months. He had consulted several local doctors, each of whom prescribed antacids after confirming that his blood test results were normal. However, when a gastroenterologist ordered an ultrasound, the imaging revealed an abnormally shaped liver with a large growth.
The patient was soon referred to Dr. Philips and his team, who confirmed that he had cirrhosis accompanied by a sizable liver tumor, known medically as hepatocellular carcinoma. Fortunately, the disease was caught early enough for a liver transplant to be curative. The man is now recovering well following treatment.
Identifying the Hidden Risk Factors
According to Dr. Philips, the patient’s medical history revealed several risk factors despite the absence of alcohol consumption. He suffered from poorly managed diabetes, led a sedentary lifestyle, had no exercise routine, and was overweight. Additionally, there was a family history of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Dr. Philips warned that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol. People with metabolic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid imbalance, high cholesterol, obesity, or hypertension are at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Regular consumption of processed or ultra-processed foods further worsens the condition, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
He advised individuals with these risk factors to undergo periodic liver checkups and abdominal ultrasounds, even if their blood tests appear normal. Early detection is vital because liver cancers can develop silently in people whose blood results show no abnormality.
Why Normal Tests Can Be Misleading
Dr. Philips emphasized that normal liver function tests cannot always be relied upon as a sign of good health. In many cases, early-stage cirrhosis does not alter blood test results, creating a false sense of reassurance. He cautioned that those who drink alcohol or rely solely on frequent blood tests may unknowingly overlook progressing liver disease.
Recognizing the Early and Late Signs of Cirrhosis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cirrhosis symptoms often remain hidden until significant liver damage has occurred. Initial warning signs may include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, general weakness, abdominal pain, redness on the palms, and spider-like blood vessels on the skin.
As the disease advances, symptoms may progress to jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, itchy skin, swelling in the abdomen, easy bruising, and unintentional weight or muscle loss. Women may also experience irregular menstrual cycles.
Early awareness, timely medical consultation, and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in preventing this silent yet deadly disease.
Dr. Philips explained that the man’s only complaint was persistent gas and abdominal discomfort lasting three months. He had consulted several local doctors, each of whom prescribed antacids after confirming that his blood test results were normal. However, when a gastroenterologist ordered an ultrasound, the imaging revealed an abnormally shaped liver with a large growth.
The patient was soon referred to Dr. Philips and his team, who confirmed that he had cirrhosis accompanied by a sizable liver tumor, known medically as hepatocellular carcinoma. Fortunately, the disease was caught early enough for a liver transplant to be curative. The man is now recovering well following treatment.
This is the liver of an apparently perfectly healthy man.
— TheLiverDoc™ (@theliverdr) October 24, 2023
His liver function test (blood test) - perfectly fine.
His only symptom was "gas trouble for three months" for which he was showing multiple local physicians, all of whom prescribed him antacids and were happy with… pic.twitter.com/DJ71u6p3BI
Identifying the Hidden Risk Factors
According to Dr. Philips, the patient’s medical history revealed several risk factors despite the absence of alcohol consumption. He suffered from poorly managed diabetes, led a sedentary lifestyle, had no exercise routine, and was overweight. Additionally, there was a family history of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Dr. Philips warned that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol. People with metabolic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid imbalance, high cholesterol, obesity, or hypertension are at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Regular consumption of processed or ultra-processed foods further worsens the condition, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
He advised individuals with these risk factors to undergo periodic liver checkups and abdominal ultrasounds, even if their blood tests appear normal. Early detection is vital because liver cancers can develop silently in people whose blood results show no abnormality.
Why Normal Tests Can Be Misleading
Dr. Philips emphasized that normal liver function tests cannot always be relied upon as a sign of good health. In many cases, early-stage cirrhosis does not alter blood test results, creating a false sense of reassurance. He cautioned that those who drink alcohol or rely solely on frequent blood tests may unknowingly overlook progressing liver disease.
Recognizing the Early and Late Signs of Cirrhosis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cirrhosis symptoms often remain hidden until significant liver damage has occurred. Initial warning signs may include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, general weakness, abdominal pain, redness on the palms, and spider-like blood vessels on the skin.
As the disease advances, symptoms may progress to jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, itchy skin, swelling in the abdomen, easy bruising, and unintentional weight or muscle loss. Women may also experience irregular menstrual cycles.
Early awareness, timely medical consultation, and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in preventing this silent yet deadly disease.
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