Hep C Discussion Forum

Hello Testiva,

Indeed your biopsy shows minimal damage to your liver. That's good news for sure! Without sounding like a pathologist, I'll try to describe what your report says and another member may expand on my explanation. Here goes:

The biopsy was done using a CT machine to provide information to the physician. It provides an an accurate scan of the liver to show the doctor where to place the biopsy needle. It simply provides an extra level of safety for the procedure.

Grade 2 of 4 (mild portal hep w/o limiting plate necrosis and rare necrotic hepatocytes): This is the level of liver inflammation found in the biopsied tissue. Often I've seen this score preceded by the letter "A" (for inflammation in this case). So your score would be written as "A-2". It says you have mild portal hepatitis or mild portal inflammation and rare damaged hepatocytes (liver cells). When the liver inflames, the various cells that make up the liver and liver architecture go through changes and can move into areas they normally don't. Reduce the inflammation and correct the infiltration of these cells. Your level of inflammation is basically "Medium". Simple but accurate.

Stage 1 of 4 (negative/mild for fibrosis and cirrhosis): This is the amount of fibrosis found in your liver. In your case the biopsy shows a 1, but the score starts at 0. A F-1 indicates some fibrosis, but your doctor claims 1 means none. I would get that clarified. Like the inflammation score, the fibrosis score has a letter that usually precedes it. In this case it's an "F" (for fibrosis). Your score would be written as "F-1". This is particularly good news for you. The higher that score, the more fibrosis is present and when you reach F-4, you've got "cirrhosis" of the liver, which is simply advanced fibrosis. You currently have very small indication of fibrosis.

The bile ducts are the pathways through the liver, that channel the bile to the Gall Bladder. It discharges collected bile into the small intestine to aid with digestion. Your bile ducts are clear and patent. GRANULOMA (granulomata, granulomas):A tumor composed of granulation tissue resulting from injury, inflammation or infection. You didn't have evidence of that. So there was nothing found following examination. More good news!

The stains that are mentioned are simply types of dye they use on the liver samples from the biopsy. When dyed they show various architecture and changes to it at times. Different stains show different conditions, and can show evidence of high iron levels in the liver and subsequently a reason for high iron blood levels. You don't show any evidence of high iron stores in your liver. Good news again!! All of your stains were normal. If you want to know more you can Google it or let me know and I'll send you some additional info. 

All in all, your biopsy was pretty good. You've got some inflammation, but that's because you've got hepatitis! HEPA = Liver  TITIS (itis) = Inflammation. Since HCV is a slowly progressive disease, that can take many decades to get worse, a biopsy like yours is good news. It gives you the knowledge that your liver health/condition is pretty good and you've got time to treat without fear of fibrosis or cirrhosis becoming a treatment concern in the immediate future. A healthier liver accepts treatment better they say and I believe that as well.

I hope that helps you understand it a little better and in easier terminology. If I can better explain something, let me know.

Best,  Tig

Wow!

This doesn't look too bad but it has much more detail than my biopsies have had so someone else with more understanding will have to speak up.