I am so afraid my husband may have liver cancer...

[heart2heart]

This problem couldn't be coming at a worse time. We are switching over insurance companies as my husband is getting laid off and we have to have blood tests for life ins., medical reports for new medical insurance.  My husband, who has a history of Hep B had a biopsy 2 yrs back which showed some fibrosis. The doctor did not mention much else and no treatment was given so we assumed he was given a clean bill of health, except that we knew he had Hep B and at risk for cirrohis and liver cancer. Well today he told me he's been having right sided abdominal pain for the past 2 weeks! I don't know what to do now..I am afraid it could be cancer...its not gall stones - he had those out. What other signs of cancer should I watch out for? What should we do? If he goes to the doctor tomorrow he will be uninsured if they find something! Please don't say he can go on COBRA, we can't afford COBRA.

[jboyhk]

There are two classes of chronic Hep carriers. Active and Inactive. They may not be concerned since he is inactive.

The tests would be low or undetectable HBV DNA viral count and usually E antigen negative, E antibody positive.

If he is an active carrier there are a few new powerful antivirals out now that weren't available 5 yrs ago so it might be worth trying.

[capn hardass]

ive had hep c for almost 30 yrs.also been a heavy drinker entire time.had major right side discomfort for ten yrs.itching,percolating.long story short,im doing great on third treatment and ive cleared.the livaar is a pretty durable organ..

[heart2heart]

Thank you, that eased my mind a little. He does not have a hepatolologist, nor has his Hep B been treated.( His dr. told him to take a supplement containing milk thistle but thats as far as it went) He had a biopsy a couple years ago when he had his gall bladder out and it showed fibrosis. The biopsy report said he has the liver of someone who is an alcoholic but we don't drink!  (he had a short drinking binge in his 20's- but that is also when he became sick with what apparently was Hep. B) So he has not been drinking for over 20 years. I don't know what the prognosis is and how long a person can live with this condition? I don't know why the doctors haven't been concerned?

[heart2heart]

Thank you, that eased my mind a little. He does not have a hepatolologist, nor has his Hep B been treated.( His dr. told him to take a supplement containing milk thistle but thats as far as it went) He had a biopsy a couple years ago when he had his gall bladder out and it showed fibrosis. The biopsy report said he has the liver of someone who is an alcoholic but we don't drink!  (he had a short drinking binge in his 20's- but that is also when he became sick with what apparently was Hep. B) So he has not been drinking for over 20 years. I don't know what the prognosis is and how long a person can live with this condition? I don't know why the doctors haven't been concerned?

[jboyhk]

Usually before cancer develops the patient has cirrhosis.

In Hep B it is possible to skip the cirrhosis and go to cancer but that is very uncommon and usually occurs at a very late age.

There are a whole lot of other plausible explanations for the pains so why focus on the most serious, least likely?

[gazebo1]

Just to agree that upper right quadrant pain and cramps also hit me a few time a year and my doc says can be from some "swelling" around the liver and nerves in that area transmit the pain.  Many markers and tests for cancer without biopsy, so don't get too worried when just suspecting at this point.  One step at a time they all keep telling me.
Good luck and be calm,

G.

[Forseegood]

I have liver pain from time to time, and I know for sure I don't have liver cancer....I'd say that 3/4 of us have liver pain from time to time (those of us who still have the disease) and I have rarely seen liver cancer on these forums....like the old saying goes, please don't borrow trouble....I hope your husband has a good hepatologist to get to the bottom of his problems with all the proper testing, etc...I know it's easier said then done, but try not to project too much into the future until you have real evidence, over and over I've seen people get really worked up only to find out their situations really aren't that bad...then just take it day by day...something I'm always working on...