Common Liver Problems
Liver problem basics
The most amazing thing about the liver is it's
resilience and sturdiness. It can often continue to function
even when afflicted by serious problems and even potentially
life-threatening liver diseases. It can keep working even when
diseases destroy most of its cells, and unlike other organs, it
can even regenerate although a large portion has been removed
during surgery (an attribute which has saved the lives of
thousands who have had liver transplants from living
donors).
Liver problem types
A liver problem can be minor or a liver problem
can be fatal. Generally, a liver problem will fall into one of
three categories.
-
Problems affecting liver cells
-
Problems related to the secretion or production of
bile
-
Toxins that accumulate in the liver and damage
liver function
Common liver problems
*Hepatitis. This is can be an
extremely serious liver problem. It happens when the liver
becomes inflammed. There are several different kinds of
hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis
C.
*Cirrhosis. This was once the
most common liver problem in many countries. Cirrhosis results
when the liver becomes scarred, usually from drinking too much
alcohol. Most people call it "cirrhosis of the liver," but
technically speaking, this very serious and life threatening
liver problem can simply be called "cirrhosis."
*Fatty Liver Disease. This
liver problem occurs when droplets of fat begin to accumulate
on the liver. As the fat deposits grow, they interfere with
liver function.
*Liver Cancer. A potentially
serious and often fatal liver problem. Liver cancer can
originate in the liver itself, or it can result from the spread
(metastasis) of cancer from a nearby organ.
*Enlarged liver. Liver
enlargement is usually a clue that some other liver problem has
developed. An enlarged liver is exactly that--a liver that has
grown beyond its normal size. It is also known as hepatomegaly.
Symptoms of this liver problem are rare, but if the liver
becomes grossly enlarged, the patient may begin to experience
abdominal discomfort or a sense of "feeling full."
*Liver cysts. Simple liver
cysts are sac-like formations in the liver, filled with mucous
or watery substances. They're usually benign, cause no signs or
symptoms, and don't require treatment. This liver problem is
not life threatening.
*Wilson's disease. A genetic
defect that causes a liver problem because abnormal amounts of
copper accumulate in the body. This can lead to cirrhosis--a
very serious liver problem indeed. Patients with Wilson's
disease sometimes experience jerky muscular movements and
copper-colored rings around the eyes.
*Hemochromatosis. This disease
causes extra iron to build up in the liver.
*Primary sclerosing cholangitis or
PSC. This is a liver problem that involves the bile
ducts inside and outside the liver. These ducts become inflamed
and scarred. Eventually the ducts become blocked, causing
damage to the liver cells. Liver failure and cirrhosis can
result.
*Primary biliary cirrhosis, or
PBC. This is a slow, progressive destruction and loss
of bile ducts in the liver. This can also lead to liver failure
and cirrhosis.
*Autoimmune hepatitis. This
results from an attack on the liver by the body's own immune
system. The liver becomes inflamed, and over time, cirrhosis
can develop.
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