Latest news with #FibroScan
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Lokbandhu Hospital gets breastcancer screening machine
Lucknow: To ensure early detection of breast cancer in women, a screening machine was established at Lokbandhu Hospital on Tuesday. The machine was donated by the Rotary Club. The inauguration was done by Rashmi Singh, a senior IAS officer in the Union govt, who dedicated the machine to public service. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Medical superintendent Dr Ajay Shankar Tripathi said that the machine uses FibroScan technology to detect lumps with unusual growth, thereby enabling the suspicion of cancerous tumours. The hospital already has PAP smear facilities for cervical cancer screening. With the addition of this machine, breast cancer screening services will now also be available. He further stated that a delay in detecting breast cancer often makes treatment more difficult and, in some cases, life-threatening. With the help of this machine, early diagnosis and timely treatment can be ensured. Dr Sangeeta Gupta, hospital director, said that with the availability of this machine, early detection of breast cancer will become possible.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Liver diseases often go undetected; doctors call for early screening and awareness
An estimated 304 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or C, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of these, 254 million have hepatitis B and 50 million have hepatitis C. The disease causes about 1.3 million deaths annually over 3,500 each day. India accounts for over 11.6% of the global burden, with around 29.8 million people living with hepatitis B and 5.5 million with hepatitis C. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections, mainly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, hepatitis B and C can become chronic, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure or cancer. Transmission can occur through unsafe injections, blood transfusions, sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth. Despite the scale, most infections remain undiagnosed until complications arise. Doctors say this is due to vague early symptoms, inadequate screening, and widespread misconceptions. 'In the early stages, liver trouble may show up as fatigue, appetite loss or mild abdominal pain - symptoms that are easily overlooked,' said Vivekanandan Shanmugam, Lead Liver Transplant Surgeon, SIMS Hospital, Chennai . 'Even signs like dark urine or yellowing of the eyes are ignored. As a result, patients often present late.' He added that screening for hepatitis B and C is recommended for high-risk groups - those who had blood transfusions before the 1990s, dialysis patients and healthcare workers, but implementation remains patchy. 'Many people don't know they should get tested. There is stigma and poor access, especially in peripheral areas,' he said. Dr. Shanmugam also flagged the impact of over-the-counter painkillers and unregulated herbal supplements. 'The liver filters everything we consume. Long-term misuse of common drugs like paracetamol or herbal concoctions can silently damage the liver.' Radhika Venugopal, Senior Consultant - Hepatology, Liver Disease & Transplantation, Rela Hospital, Chennai, said symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or weight loss are often ignored. 'By the time jaundice, swelling or bleeding appears, damage is usually advanced. Liver function tests and scans can help detect problems early,' she said. She noted that hepatitis testing is not well integrated into routine healthcare, particularly in rural settings. 'Pregnant women, people with HIV, and those undergoing surgery or dialysis must be screened, but enforcement is weak.' Dr. Venugopal also flagged the rise in 'lean MAFLD' (metabolic-associated fatty liver disease) in people with normal weight but underlying metabolic issues. 'Tools like FibroScan help detect this early.' Doctors recommend hepatitis B vaccination, avoiding excessive alcohol, limiting self-medication, and routine check-ups. 'The liver is silent until it's too late,' said Dr. Shanmugam.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist shares how modern work culture fuels silent liver crisis: 'Even those with normal weight are at risk'
In today's fast-paced professional world, the demands of modern work culture are taking a toll on liver health in ways often overlooked. Long hours at a desk, high stress, erratic eating patterns, and minimal physical activity have quietly contributed to a surge in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now one of the most common liver disorders globally. (Also read: Harvard gastroenterologist shares worst foods that could raise your cancer risk: Here's what to avoid ) Modern work culture strains liver health, experts warn of silent risks.(Shutterstock) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Narendra Chopde, Surgical Gastroenterologist and GI Endoscopist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Wanowrie, shared, "A sedentary lifestyle, a hallmark of corporate jobs and remote work setups, is a significant risk factor. Sitting for prolonged hours reduces metabolic activity and increases fat accumulation in the liver, even in people with a normal body weight. This condition, known as "lean NAFLD," is becoming increasingly prevalent among urban professionals who appear healthy on the outside but are metabolically at risk." Modern work culture contributes to liver health issues like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (Shutterstock) He added, "Dietary habits shaped by convenience, processed foods, frequent takeaways, sugary drinks, and skipped meals further stress the liver. Combined with high levels of work-induced stress, these habits disrupt hormonal balance, impair insulin sensitivity, and contribute to fat buildup in liver cells. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis." Why early detection and prevention matter "Irregular sleep patterns and the frequent use of over-the-counter medications such as painkillers and antacids, common habits among working professionals, can further strain liver function," Dr. Narendra Chopde noted. "The challenge with liver-related conditions is that they often progress silently. Many individuals remain unaware of the damage until it reaches an advanced stage," he added. "That's why routine screening and early detection, through tools like liver function tests and FibroScan, are critical." To safeguard liver health, Dr Chopde recommends professionals adopt conscious, sustainable habits, "Incorporating regular physical activity, eating mindfully, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and scheduling periodic medical check-ups can go a long way. As our work culture evolves, so must our approach to personal wellness. Liver care may be silent, but it's an essential priority in the modern working world." Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
12-06-2025
- Health
- News18
The Role of Diet and Early Detection in Reversing Fatty Liver Disease
Regular screenings combined with a nutrient-dense, balanced diet provide the most effective approach to turning the tide against fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, has become a widespread health concern globally, affecting millions of people. It occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells, often linked to obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles. Left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to more severe conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Fortunately, the power to halt or even reverse fatty liver disease often lies in the simplest prescription—food. Coupled with early detection, dietary changes can be the most effective strategy to restore liver health. Dr Narendra Singh Chaudhary, Associate Director, Hepatology, Medanta, Gurugram shares all you need to know: Understanding Fatty Liver Disease Fatty liver disease is broadly classified into alcoholic and non-alcoholic types. The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome components such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. In the initial stages, fatty liver disease may cause no symptoms, which is why it often goes undetected until liver function is significantly impaired. The Importance of Early Detection Early detection is crucial for managing fatty liver disease effectively. Routine screening, especially for individuals with risk factors like obesity or diabetes, allows doctors to identify fatty liver before serious damage occurs. Techniques such as ultrasound imaging, blood tests for liver enzymes, and more advanced assessments like FibroScan help assess liver fat content and stiffness. Detecting fatty liver early means lifestyle interventions, primarily dietary modifications, can be implemented before irreversible damage sets in. Diet: The Cornerstone of Reversal Food truly acts as medicine when it comes to fatty liver disease. Research consistently shows that dietary changes can reduce liver fat and inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support liver regeneration. Key dietary recommendations include: • Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates: Excessive consumption of sugary beverages, sweets, and refined grains contributes to liver fat accumulation. Cutting back on these foods lowers fat deposition and improves metabolic health. • Increase intake of whole foods: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes provides essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support liver detoxification and reduce oxidative stress. • Healthy fats are beneficial: Incorporating sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, and flaxseeds, can reduce liver fat and inflammation. • Moderate protein consumption: Lean protein from sources such as poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes help maintain muscle mass and supports liver repair. • Limit saturated fats and processed foods: Foods high in saturated fats and trans fats contribute to liver damage and insulin resistance and should be minimized. Beyond Diet: Lifestyle Synergy While diet is foundational, combining it with regular physical activity amplifies benefits. Exercise enhances fat metabolism, promotes weight loss, and improves insulin sensitivity, all of which are critical in reversing fatty liver disease. Stress management and adequate sleep also play supportive roles in liver health. Fatty liver disease is a growing epidemic, but it's one where early detection and dietary interventions offer a hopeful path to reversal. By treating food as the first prescription, individuals can take control of their liver health, prevent disease progression, and improve overall well-being. Regular screenings combined with a nutrient-dense, balanced diet provide the most effective approach to turning the tide against fatty liver disease. After all, when it comes to our liver, what we eat truly matters. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:16 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness The Role of Diet and Early Detection in Reversing Fatty Liver Disease
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
AI tool developed by Hyderabad hospital brings down fatty liver screening cost from ₹5,000 to ₹500
Researchers at AIG Hospital have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tool that can detect fatty liver disease with 95-96% accuracy using basic blood tests and body measurements, at a 10% cost of existing technologies. The innovation, developed in collaboration with the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, uses four widely available blood parameters, complete blood count, liver function test, HbA1c, and lipid profile combined with BMI and waist circumference data. The tool is designed to predict both steatosis (fat accumulation) and fibrosis (hardening of the liver), traditionally detected using expensive machines like FibroScan, which costs over ₹1.2 crore. 'This model brings down the cost of screening from ₹4,000 to 5,000 per scan to just ₹500. We have validated it on over 10,000 patients internally, and it is now being rolled out in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at community level,' said Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Director of Endoscopy at the Centre for Obesity and Metabolic Therapy. This was announced during an awareness session held at the hospital on Wednesday, ahead of Global Fatty Liver Day, which is observed annually on the second Thursday of June. 'Earlier, it was seen as a benign condition. Now we know it is the epicentre of all cardiometabolic disorders. It worsens diabetes, increases heart disease risk, and even leads to liver cancer. What we are seeing is a silent epidemic,' said Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG. 'Fatty liver is like a red flag for what is going on in the rest of the body. Many patients with fatty liver actually die of heart attacks, not liver failure,' said Dr. Anuj Kapadia, a cardiologist. Dr. Merugu Chandhana, an endocrinologist, said nearly 70% of her diabetic patients have fatty liver, with many having Grade 2 or 3 disease detected on ultrasound. 'Earlier we thought of them as separate diseases. Now we know they are deeply connected,' she said. Despite ongoing research, no drug has yet been approved in India specifically for fatty liver disease, the doctors cautioned. The only proven treatment is lifestyle modification. '5% weight loss reduces liver fat, 7% reduces liver inflammation and 10% can reverse liver fibrosis,' the doctors said.
