Cirrhosis Support Group
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...
Hi! For the past few months my iron storage levels have been double and tripling. I was sent for an ultrasound. I got the results on New Years Eve. It said I have heterogenous hepatic parenchyma and micronodular liver surface consistent with fibrosis/cirrhosis. I'm really lost right now as to what this means. I'm not overweight, not a heavy drinker, wasn't told I have fatty liver. My doctor scheduled me for a FibroScan “to see how dangerous” this is for me. From my research having heterogeneous parenchyma and nodular surface could mean this is more than early stage fibrosis. She has told me to stay away from all toxins, no alcohol, not even hand sanitizer, only organic foods and reduce my fat, and less red meat. I don’t go for my FibroScan until Friday of next week and my follow up is the 31st. I am waiting to get an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Does anyone know if what I read about the results is accurate? Are those things that show up more in later stage fibrosis than early?? Of course I know it’s different for everyone but just looking for answers while I wait. Any feedback or info would be so helpful.
What I found:
The normal liver is homogeneous, by which I mean, it is firm, red-brown and has the same consistency throughout by gross (macroscopic) examination. Homogeneous is good.
A heterogeneous liver would be the exact opposite and is remarkable for lumps and bumps of varying size which, depending on the region of the world, are due to:
• Cancer, typically metastatic (i.e., a cancer that arose elsewhere–e.g., in the GI tract, breast, lungs, traveled by the bloodstream to the liver and grew), less commonly primary–e.g., hepatocellular (liver cell) carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct carcinoma)
• Alcohol which, over time and with high consumption causes (macronodular) cirrhosis, in which one sees rounded masses of varying size of functional (“normal”) liver separated by bands of scar tissue
• Pathogens including parasites, fungi and bacteria, which can cause cysts abscesses
Most other causes of hepatic heterogeneity are relatively uncommon
What did you read about the results?
I'm having trouble with the question.
The fibro scan will give some answers, combined with your lab results, a picture of the current health of your liver.
I would do exactly what doctor said. The liver is an amazing organ & strives to continue working so no alcohol, give your liver a chance.
I'm surprised she did not tell you to eliminate red meat since your iron levels are high. They can perform a phlebotomy to bring it down temporarily, but knowing the cause is important.
I can't get a clue from what you've posted as to the initial cause of the condition, perhaps they don't know, maybe they will never know.
There are many signs of early vs advanced cirrhosis. If you're still coherent & walking & talking, you are doing pretty well. When they say you need a transplant ASAP you are not doing well.