Hepatitis B: Testing, Treatment, and Liver Cancer Screening

Also available in Tiếng Việt and 中文.

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Worldwide it is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it is especially common among people born in Asia, including Vietnam and China. Many people have had it since birth and feel completely healthy, which is why testing is so important.

How hepatitis B spreads

Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. The most common way worldwide is from mother to baby at birth. It can also spread through sex, shared needles or razors, and unsterile medical or dental equipment. It does not spread through sharing food, hugging, or coughing.

Who should be tested?

The CDC recommends that every adult be tested for hepatitis B at least once. It is especially important if:

• You or your parents were born in Asia, the Pacific Islands, or Africa
• A family member has hepatitis B
• You are pregnant
• You have abnormal liver tests
• You will start chemotherapy or medicines that weaken the immune system

A simple blood test shows whether you have the virus now, had it in the past, or are protected by the vaccine.

What happens if you test positive?

We check how active the virus is and how healthy your liver is. This usually includes blood tests (viral load and liver enzymes) and liver elastography (FibroScan), a painless test in our office that measures liver scarring.

Treatment

Not everyone with hepatitis B needs medicine right away, but everyone needs regular check-ups, because the virus can become active at any time. When treatment is needed, most people take one pill a day, such as tenofovir or entecavir. These medicines are well tolerated, keep the virus under control, and lower the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Do not stop them without talking to your doctor, because the virus can flare.

Liver cancer screening

People with hepatitis B can develop liver cancer even without cirrhosis. Many patients, including Asian men over 40, Asian women over 50, and anyone with cirrhosis or a family history of liver cancer, should have a liver ultrasound, often with a blood test (AFP), every 6 months. Finding liver cancer early makes it much more treatable.

Protecting your family

• Family members and partners should be tested and vaccinated if they are not already protected
• Babies of mothers with hepatitis B should get the vaccine and an antibody shot within 12 hours of birth
• Don't share razors or toothbrushes
• Avoid alcohol, which adds stress to the liver

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.