Liver Problems

The Liver

The liver is an organ only found in vertebrates which detoxifies various metabolites, synthesizes proteins and produces biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, below the diaphragm. Its other roles in metabolism include the regulation of glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, and the production of hormones.

Liver ailments (Hepatic diseases)
Infections

Sometimes, the problem is that you have an infection that inflames your liver. Viral hepatitis is the most common cause.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene and oral-anal sex. Hepatitis A is preventable by vaccine. It spreads from contaminated food or water or contact with someone who is infected. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and low-grade fever. The condition clears up on its own in one or two months. Rest and adequate hydration can help.

Hepatitis B

A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus that's easily preventable by a vaccine. This disease is most commonly spread by exposure to infected bodily fluids. Symptoms are variable and include yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain and dark urine. Some people, particularly children, don't experience any symptoms. In chronic cases, liver failure, cancer or scarring can occur. The condition often clears up on its own. Chronic cases require medication and possibly a liver transplant.

Hepatitis C

An infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. The virus is spread by contact with contaminated blood; for example, from sharing needles or from unsterile tattoo equipment. Most people have no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may have fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medication. In some people, newer medicines can eradicate the virus.

Immune System Problems

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the liver and causes it to become inflamed. The disease is chronic, meaning it lasts many years. If untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. There are two forms of this disease.

Primary biliary cholangitis

It is previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune disease of the liver. It results from a slow, progressive destruction of the small bile ducts of the liver, causing bile and other toxins to build up in the liver, a condition called cholestasis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a long-term progressive disease of the liver and gallbladder characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts which normally allow bile to drain from the gallbladder.

Cancer and Tumors

If cancer shows up in your liver, that’s most likely because it has spread from another part of your body, like your lungs, colon, or breasts. But a few cancers can start in the liver.

Liver cancer

Cancer that begins in the cells of the liver.The liver is the football-sized organ in the upper-right area of the stomach.Symptoms are uncommon in the early stages of liver cancer. Later, symptoms may include weight loss, stomach pain, vomiting and yellowed skin.Treatments vary but may include removal of part of the liver, transplant, chemotherapy and in some cases, radiation.

Bile duct cancer

Bile duct cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the bile ducts. Having colitis or certain liver diseases can increase the risk of bile duct cancer. Signs of bile duct cancer include jaundice and pain in the abdomen

Liver cell adenoma

Hepatic adenoma is an uncommon, benign liver tumor. Benign means that it's not cancerous. It's also known as hepatocellular adenoma or liver cell adenoma. Hepatic adenoma is extremely rare. It most often affects women, and has been linked to the use of birth control pill

Conditions You Inherit

Some inherited liver disorders only happen if they run in your family.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a disorder where too much iron builds up in your body. Sometimes it's called “iron overload.” Normally, your intestines absorb just the right amount of iron from the foods you eat. But in hemochromatosis, your body absorbs too much, and it has no way to get rid of it

Hyperoxaluria

Hyperoxaluria is an excessive urinary excretion of oxalate. Individuals with hyperoxaluria often have calcium oxalate kidney stones. It is sometimes called Bird's disease, after Golding Bird, who first described the condition