Articles on Medical Diseases and Conditions

Tumor in the liver is most often metastatic. The liver receives metastases more frequently than any other organ, since 25%–50% of all metastasizing cancers reach the liver. The GI tract (including the pancreas), breast, kidney, lung, melanomas, and sarcomas are especially apt to produce hepatic metastases. Tests for detection include alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, liver scan […]

Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST; formerly SGOT) is an enzyme found in several organs and tissues, including liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and RBCs. AST elevation from nonhepatic sources is discussed elsewhere. AST elevation originating from the liver is due to some degree of acute liver cell injury. Following onset of acute hepatocellular damage from any etiology, […]