MUSKEGON, Mich. -- It's known to many as the silent epidemic - a viral infection that spreads through blood contact and affects an estimated 3.5 million people nationwide. According to experts, half of those with chronic Hepatitis C haven't been diagnosed, let alone treated.
That's because those with Hepatitis C often show symptoms other than some fatigue, joint pain or certain skin conditions. However, Hepatitis C can cause severe liver scarring, possibly leading to cancer and even death.
Now, using a Fibroscan, health professionals are able in minutes to check for liver scarring without the need for a liver biopsy.
The Fibroscan is a diagnostic tool that uses ultrasound technology to figure out whether or not a patient has fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, and if they do, how much.
Mercy Health's Hepatitis C Clinic in Muskegon has the new technology, and Dr. Elaine Leigh says we are very fortunate to have it here in West Michigan. Leigh tells FOX 17 there are only six Fibroscans in Michigan.
Tammy Rogers of Ludington was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2005 and has never been treated. She describes the Fibroscan as 'a godsend' and something that could very well save her life.
Rogers underwent a liver biopsy in 2009 and says it was completely different than what she experienced with the Fibroscan.
"This was a piece of cake, a walk in the park," Rogers said.
"I had to have somebody with me (during the biopsy), because I couldn’t drive afterwards, and it is a fairly long needle."
According to Dr. Leigh, the Fibroscan is replacing the need for a liver biopsy. It is non-invasive and risk-free.
"We have not had good options for how to determine fibrosis up until the time we got our Fibroscan," said Dr.Leigh. "Liver biopsy has always been known as the gold standard for determining how much fibrosis [someone has]. The problem is you can even have error with a liver biopsy."
Although a liver biopsy is still an option, experts say it's risky, somewhat painful and pricey.
"These drugs are opening the door for so many people like me; never had any symptoms, never gone through any treatment." Rogers said, speaking of direct-acting, anti-viral drugs. Those came out in fall of 2014 and have been used to treat 200 people with Hepatitis C.
Rogers is talking about direct acting anti-viral drugs. They came out in fall of 2014 and have since treated 200 people with Hepatitis C.
Once the Fibroscan shows doctors how much liver scarring a patient has, the patient will be notified whether they are eligible for the direct-acting anti-viral drugs through Medicaid. Leigh tells FOX 17 that Medicaid only covers those individuals with advanced stage 3 or 4 liver fibrosis.
"Of course, my hope is that this drug is a fit for me and when it’s all over and done with, I won’t have that weighing on my mind because it’s going to be gone," Rogers said.
This procedure costs about $150 out of pocket, and patients must be referred by their primary doctor.
Dr. Leigh says the Fibroscan takes around 15 minutes to complete and asks that patient come to the appointment with an empty stomach.
