Question: I have had a very elevated Alkaline Phosphatase for a year now with pain in my right upper quadrant. My liver ultrasound showed increased echogenesis and coarse echo texture. My common bile duct is dilated to 9 mm. I’ve had a cholestectomy, by the way. My AFP is 11. My AST and ALP were within normal limits. I’m scheduled for an MRI and MRCP in a few days. My mother is dying from cancer. So, my question is, how likely is it that I have cancer and what do you think is wrong with me? Im not someone who drinks alcohol and I have a healthy lifestyle. I’ve just been so tired and sick, that I can’t work.

Also elevated GGT.

I went to my PCP because I have been hurting in my right upper quadrant around my rib cage front to back. In the center of my upper abdomen, I have a burning sensation, somewhat like I felt when I had a gallbladder attack. My main complaint was general malaise and unable to get out of bed at times from being so tired. I had recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 Kidney Disease from an unknown cause. So, My Dr ordered blood work and a liver ultrasound to rule out anything other than the kidney disease that’s making me feel so exhausted and hurting. The ultrasound came back showing increased echogenesis and coarse echo texture of the liver with a dilated common bile duct 9mm. I do not have a gallbladder anymore due to gallstones. I have never liked alcohol and I’m very careful about what I put in my body. I am not diabetic and I’ve been tested for Hepatitis, Lupus, HIV, thyroid issues, etc. all came back negative. I take an antidepressant and Vit D. I was referred to a Hepatologist and she suspected an obstruction in the bile duct system. I’m having the MRI and MRCP that she ordered on this Friday.

Cancer is very prevalent in my family. So, the AFP being elevated is worrisome to me.