Liver Biopsy Procedure Reasons, Side Effects, Results Topic Guide

Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver over a long period, causing the liver to lose its function, which is primarily to filter toxins, aid digestion. Cirrhosis can be caused by a number of factors, often a hepatitis infection or chronic alcohol abuse. Some medications are prescribed to releive symptoms. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for advanced cirrhosis.

Fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic related steatohepatitis) is a disease where by there is an increased accumulation of fat in the liver. This fat accumulation can lead to cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. Fatty liver disease is caused by a diet high in fat and calories, association with other diseases and conditions, and certain medications. Treatment for fatty liver disease depends on the cause of fat accumulation in the liver.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH, iron overload) is a genetic disorder in which excess iron is retained in the body. Hemochromatosis may affect several organs in the body including the skin, joints, liver, pancreas, thyroid, testicles, and heart. As a result of the excess build up of iron in organs, conditions and diseases can result from the excess iron, for example, diabetes, cirrhosis, heart failure, and brown skin, among others. Treatment for hemochromatosis is generally phlebotomy and dietary changes.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV, Hep A) refers to liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. Causes of HAV is generally from person to person via contaminated water, blood, stool, or direct contact. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, rash, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and pale or gray-colored stools. Treatment for hepatitis A virus is focused on relieving symptoms. There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis is a general term that means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV, Hep B). Hepatitis B is transmitted from one person to another person via blood in semen, saliva, vaginal discharge, etc. Symptoms of hepatitis B include loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, itching, jaundice, and abdomen pain.

Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is contagious. Symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Treatment for hepatitis C are medications, and if necessary, liver transplant.

Liver blood tests are used to check the levels and function of liver enzymes in the blood called AST and ALT or aminotransferases in the blood. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea. Normal levels of liver enzymes in blood are caused by liver diseases caused by drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, and statins. Less common causes of abnormal levels of ALT or AST levels in the blood are alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NASH), hepatitis, and alcoholism. Normal levels of ALT ranges from about 7-56 units/liter, and 10-40 units/liters for AST. Elevated (high) and low liver enzymes elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage the person has. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory for measurement. Usually, you doctor will have the results interpreted within a few hours to days. Liver blood tests are used to check normal, elevated (high), and low blood levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT or aminotransferases). Symptoms of elevated levels of liver enzymes are fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and nausea. Drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain drugs, and statins caused high levels of liver enzymes. Less common causes are NASH, hepatitis, and alcoholism.

Liver cancer is hard to diagnose as symptoms and signs are vague and nonspecific. Symptoms and signs may include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, or appetite loss. Treatment may incorporate surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Liver disease is a serious problem; the liver is one of the most-frequently transplanted organ in the United States.