Blood Drug Testing

Blood test shows increased liver function, ultrasound showed pancreatic and liver cysts, what could this mean?

I recently had a blood test reveal increase in liver function, so I had an ultrasound which showed liver and pancreatic cysts. I am scheduled for a CT scan next, and I'm wondering what this might mean. I'm age 21 male.

Public Comments

1. Cysts are usually fluid filled sacs. However, they may contain particles in them and then are considered to be complex cysts. It is rare, but at times, they can be cancerous. Two different things can happen. If the cysts are in the organ, should they enlarge, they can placed pressure on the surrounding cells of the organ and damage them. The second thing is, if they are in the ducts leading from the liver or pancreas...this can block the flow of bile through these ducts and the bile can back up into the liver and cause cell damage that way. Most of the time, the doctors will just watch these cysts to make sure they are not enlarging. They don't like to drain them ..but they would rather go in and remove the entire one wall of the cysts and let the fluid be absorbed into the body. The reason for this, is because just draining the fluid...the fluid will just come back fast. The doctor does different blood tests to check the liver: 1) the liver enzymes will show if there is damage to the liver cells [these tests are called ALT, AST, GGT, and Alkaline Phosphatase] 2) The liver functions tests will show how well the cells of the liver are able to do the functions the liver does to keep the body well [these tests are called Bilirubin, INR, Albumin, Pt, Ptt] 3) The liver viral testing to see if a virus has entered the body and is using the liver cells to replicate itself ...like Hepatitis A_B_C It takes observing these blood tests and comparing them to be sure that the cells of the liver are being damaged. The liver cells make the enzymes and when the liver cells become damaged, the enzymes leak out and go higher on the blood tests results. Some people inherit cysts. If it is just in the liver...it is known as polycystic liver disease...if in the kidneys, it is known as polycystic kidney disease. You may want to check with your family members and see if anyone had a disease like this. Wish I could be of more help...this is all the info I have on this. Best wishes to you.