hello there, i am a person having hepatites b, and recently my spleen stear to grow bigger till 18cm.i have done endoscoy whic result was like this(Gastro-oesophageal varices, consider propranolol for primary prophylaxis) can you please explain this and can you tell me is there any risk of liver cancer in me. you can tell me, i am strong boy.
Hi. You have CLD (chronic liver disease) secondary to hepatitis B resulting in liver damage and cirrhosis (shrinking) of liver. The dilated gastroesophageal varices are dilated blood vessels under the inner lining (mucosa) at the junction of esophagus (food pipe) with stomach. These varices form due to high pressure in portal circulation due to shrinking of liver. Portal circulation is the blood vessel system responsible for bringing blood from intestines to liver. High pressure in portal circulation also results in splenomegaly (enlargement of spleen due to back pressure). Propranol is given as a prophylaxis to prevent bleeding from gastroesophageal varices by lowering pressure in splanchnic circulation (vessels supplying & Chat Doctor. Yes liver cirrhosis puts you at high risk for liver cancer. It takes years to develop. I would suggest that you have your ultrasound scan of liver on 6 monthly basis to pick any malignant nodule at an early stage. I hope I have answered your query. Please ask if any ambiguity remains & I will be more than happy to answer. Thank you for choosing Chat Doctor for your medical issues.