Many people may have felt anxious about health check-ups, whether it’s blood tests or fear of pain during the examination. Today, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital would like to introduce a new alternative health check-up method that does not cause pain, does not require inserting any instruments, and takes only a short time. This is a detailed liver health check using FibroScan technology, which can measure both fatty liver and liver fibrosis deeply into the tissue, and importantly, it is completely painless.
What is FibroScan?
The FibroScan device uses sound wave technology to examine the liver by sending low-frequency sound waves to measure liver stiffness and fat accumulation in the liver. It is similar to ultrasound but more advanced because it not only provides clear images but also details the liver condition, such as fibrosis and fat accumulation, which are major risk factors for cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Advantages of FibroScan Examination
- Absolutely safe No use of X-rays or contrast agents that may affect the body, making it suitable for all ages and genders without worrying about radiation or chemicals that could cause side effects later.
- Fast The examination process takes only a few minutes. Patients receive results quickly and conveniently, suitable for those with limited time or who do not want to wait long.
- Painless FibroScan does not require tissue biopsy like a liver biopsy, which can cause pain, bleeding, or require recovery time after the test. In contrast, FibroScan is an external examination with no puncture, no wounds, and patients can undergo the test without worrying about pain.
- Can be repeated frequently without side effects allowing repeated tests as often as necessary, whether for monitoring treatment results or assessing long-term liver condition.
- Convenient, fast, and patients can go home immediately after the test Patients can go home right away without recovery or waiting long for results. It only takes a few minutes to get the results and continue daily life with peace of mind.
Limitations of FibroScan Examination
Although FibroScan is a modern and highly effective examination method, there are some limitations for this device.
- Severely obese individuals FibroScan may not provide accurate results because sound waves can be limited by the fat layer in the body.
- Not suitable for patients with pacemakers Due to the use of sound waves, FibroScan may not be suitable for those with pacemakers or implanted electronic devices as it may affect their function.
The silent threat from fatty liver to liver cancer
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, responsible for filtering toxins and storing nutrients for various bodily processes. However, many people may not know that some liver diseases, such as fatty liver and liver fibrosis, can occur without clear warning symptoms. Long-term accumulation of fat and fibrosis in the liver, if not detected and managed early, can lead to cirrhosis and eventually develop into liver cancer.
Liver cancer is a frightening silent threat and one of the leading causes of death in Thailand especially in those with a history of regular alcohol consumption or chronic fatty liver condition The danger of liver cancer is that it often shows no symptoms in the early stages, causing most patients to be diagnosed at a late stage, making treatment difficult and increasing the risk of death. Therefore, regular liver health check-ups are important because early detection of fatty liver and fibrosis can help prevent or treat conditions that risk developing into serious diseases in the long term. Regular check-ups are the key to reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer that may claim lives without warning.
Who should be screened?
- Those who regularly consume alcohol
- Those who are obese or overweight
- Those who frequently consume high-fat or sugary foods
- Those with a family history of liver disease or who already have liver disease
- Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure
Liver examination with FibroScan is a fast, safe, painless method suitable for anyone who wants to check their liver condition, whether for prevention or treatment of fatty liver, liver fibrosis, or to reduce the risk of liver cancer in the future. This accurate test result helps doctors plan patient care precisely and recommend effective lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary control.
Regular liver care will help you live a healthy and long life without waiting for severe symptoms. Get your liver health checked today at the Gastroenterology and Liver Department, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital. We are ready to serve with a specialized medical team providing thorough examination, treatment, and consultation to ensure your liver health and timely prevention of serious diseases.
