Some ideas: If this is mostly direct bilirubin, some off the small bile ducts have been damaged. If mostly indirect, find a cause of hemolysis. If a mix, the loss of liver parenchyma is more severe than in most cases of metastatic disease. All are serious.
Answered 6/9/2015
2.7k views
Small bile duct: Although you say there is no bile duct blockage, this only means the major bile ducts. The smaller bile ducts are not able to drain as these are blocked by tumor. This is only early but as the tumor grows this may well be more progressive. If they are able to isolate the tumor in the liver, they may be able to ablate or embolize the tumor. Best wishes.
Answered 8/25/2015
2.7k views
Bilirubin: Elevated bilirubin can result from two main sources-- breakdown of hemoglobin (from red cells) and blockage of normal secretion from the liver (obstruction of a bile duct.) These two sources are distinguishable in blood (bound vs. unbound.) But liver mets may produce blockage of small ducts and elevate bili w/o blocking main ducts.
Answered 6/10/2015
2.7k views
A doctor has provided 1 answer
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question