What Is FibroScan® and What Can It Do?
7/6/2023
In past years, the best way to establish the status of your liver health was through a surgical liver biopsy. Because of today’s progression in the field, gastroenterologists can now test the state of their patients’ livers through a relatively simple, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure called FibroScan. At Gastroenterology Associates of Florida, our GI specialists provide this swift and effective examination to test your liver health, as well as help you maintain your total health. For detailed clarification about FibroScan testing and how it could help evaluate the health of your liver, reach out to one of our Palm Beach County, FL locations.
What is FibroScan?
The FibroScan test is a liver elastography that uses ultrasound technology to detect liver damage in the body. This clear exam can find scarring in the liver and liver stiffness. Liver scarring, also called liver fibrosis, begins due to excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other factors. Scarring of the liver can result in cirrhosis, which is simply extreme damage and scarring of a person’s liver. Late stages of cirrhosis may lead to tiredness, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), liver cancer, and, ultimately, liver failure.
Where a biopsy of the liver requires some sort of sedation, a surgically invasive procedure, and hours of your time and attention, the FibroScan procedure causes little to no pain or discomfort, can usually be concluded in about ten minutes, and you can get back to your daily routine shortly after being released.
Why is the FibroScan test crucial?
Because of the many repercussions linked to liver damage, it is vital that you take your liver health seriously. This is where the FibroScan test is able to help. After completing the FibroScan, our Palm Beach County, FL gastrointestinal specialists can look over and use this information to establish and manage diagnosed liver issues, including:
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Diseases related to alcohol consumption
Likewise, we can also assess the magnitude of any liver damage. Keeping track of this makes it easier for us to craft a plan of action to help meet your needs.
How long can it take until I get my FibroScan results?
A second perk of the FibroScan test is your findings are ready in a day or so. Liver biopsy results, however, can take up to two weeks. Due to FibroScan, you can be given your exam results rapidly, which allows you to begin your treatment quickly.
After we get your results, our GI team will reach out via phone or schedule an appointment to talk about the FibroScan results. Our team can make sure you comprehend your exam results and what the findings mean for your liver and general health.
Can I make any helpful changes if I receive concerning FibroScan results?
If the results of your FibroScan suggest damage to your liver, there are several choices you can make to possibly reverse the liver damage or prevent new damage. Steps you could take in order to boost your liver health could include:
- Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet
- Lose weight if needed
- Work with your doctors to swap medications as necessary
- Work out every day
- Minimize alcohol use
Request FibroScan in Palm Beach County, FL
One way to avoid many medical issues is by taking control of your health in general. By having a quick, more or less painless FibroScan exam, you can quickly learn about your liver health and make required changes prior to additional damage occurring. At Gastroenterology Associates of Florida, our team of GI specialists gladly utilizes this modern liver biopsy alternative. Get in touch with a Palm Beach County, FL location near you to learn how FibroScan can help you.