Liver Conditions & Treatments

Elevated liver enzymes, which can be discovered during routine blood tests, can indicate inflammation or damage to liver cells. This condition is often temporary and usually does not signal a chronic or serious liver problem. But in some instances, it can be a sign of liver disease or hepatitis.

This condition is caused by heavy alcohol consumption, though we still do not know why some drinkers develop liver disease and others do not. The condition is diagnosed through blood tests, liver biopsy, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI.

There are three types of alcohol-associated liver disease, and heavy drinkers may experience each of them over time:

• Alcohol associated fatty liver disease is the most common variety of the condition and is characterized by an enlarged liver, weight loss and weakness.
• Alcohol associated hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver that may include fever, nausea, appetite loss and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Alcohol associated cirrhosis is permanent damage to the liver and may include intestinal bleeding, an enlarged spleen, confusion and liver cancer.

This set of conditions is caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissues. They include:

• Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks healthy liver cells. If untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and, eventually, liver failure. A liver transplant may be needed if the condition resists drug treatment.
• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is the slow destruction of the liver’s bile ducts. This chronic inflammation can cause irreversible scarring of liver tissue and liver failure.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) causes scarring inside the bile ducts, which then narrow over time. It often affects people with inflammatory bowel disease. In advanced cases, a liver transplant is the only cure.

This is a rare condition that results from obstruction of veins carrying blood from the liver to the heart. Symptoms include abdominal pain, an enlarged liver and fluid buildup.

In most instances, the cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome is unknown. In some cases, a genetic condition that predisposes patients to develop clots may be identified.

The condition is treated through medication, surgical widening of the veins and, in severe cases, liver transplant.

Cirrhosis is the general term for the advanced stage scarring of the liver caused by a wide range of diseases and conditions, including hepatitis and alcohol-associated liver disease. 

Whenever your liver is injured, it will attempt to heal itself, creating scar tissue. As that scar tissue builds up, your liver loses its ability to work efficiently. In advanced stages, cirrhosis can be life-threatening.

Cirrhosis liver damage is usually permanent. But if diagnosed early and treated, the damage can be limited.

This is a rare condition caused by toxic exposure to medications, vitamins, herbal remedies or food supplements. Most often, this occurs after prolonged exposure to the substance or an overdose of a medicine such as acetaminophen.

Fatty liver disease is a common condition caused by the storage of extra fat in the liver. The liver typically has a small amount of fat, but it becomes a problem when the fat content reaches 5 percent to 10 percent of the liver’s weight.

For most people, it causes no serious complications. And often it has no symptoms. It can, however, lead to liver damage. The liver can become inflamed, causing scarring and cirrhosis.

This condition is a complication related to the Fontan procedure, a palliative surgery that provides relief for a congenital heart defect in children. It involves the buildup of fibrous deposits and can lead to cirrhosis.

This is a group of conditions caused by metabolic and genetic defects. These may be found in relatives of people who have these diseases. Among them:

• Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency-associated liver disease is a rare condition caused by the lack of a specific enzyme. There currently is no cure for this condition, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Organ transplant may be warranted.
• Hereditary hemochromatosis is marked by the body’s storage of too much iron. The liver is among the organs that can be damaged if untreated.
• Wilson disease is a condition that prevents the body from ridding itself of excess copper. This can damage the liver, among other organs. Therapy and medication can halt disease progression.

Liver cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells within the liver. It can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, bones and lymph nodes.

Treatment varies, based on the type of liver cancer you have and how far it has spread. Options include medicine, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Treatment may include more than one option.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer, occurring most often in people with chronic liver disease. Risk also is higher for people whose liver has been scarred by hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
• Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, occurs most often in people over the age of 50. Diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages, making treatment more difficult.

Liver lesions are common cell abnormalities found as clumps of cells in the liver. The majority are benign, though they are occasionally cancerous. They can be caused by a variety of factors, with most not showing any symptoms until they develop into larger masses. Among them:

• Hemangioma is the most common form of lesion, made from clusters of small blood vessels. They generally require no treatment, though they can cause stomach pain, nausea and the inability to eat a full meal.
• Liver adenoma is an uncommon lesion, typically found in women. It is linked to long-term oral contraceptives or synthetic testosterone. In some cases, it can cause internal bleeding or become cancerous.
• Focal nodular hyperplasia is the second most common lesion. It is far more likely to be found in women than men and does not become cancerous.

Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs found on your liver. They are nearly always benign and never grow large enough to cause problems. Your doctor may simply monitor the cyst, but in some instances may suggest surgery or medications.

Polycystic liver disease is a rare inherited disorder in which the patient develops clusters of cysts that resemble large grapes. One in five patients will have noticeable symptoms – including distended bellies – that may warrant medication or surgery.

This is an umbrella term for various liver conditions found in people who are not heavy alcohol users. In the United States, it is the most common form of chronic liver disease, affecting one quarter of the population. It is usually associated with elevated BMI, and diabetes mellitus. Generally, it causes no noticeable symptoms. Among the potential complications:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver associated cirrhosis is the primary complication. If untreated, it can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is inflammation caused by the buildup of fat in the liver. It can lead to cirrhosis.

Portal hypertension is an increase in pressure in the portal vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It is related to blockage of blood through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, with scar tissue blocking blood flow. Among the symptoms and complications:

• Ascites is the collection of fluid in spaces within the abdomen.
• Gastroesophageal varices are large veins that develop around the stomach and esophagus, as your body tries to get around the blockage. These can bleed easily.
• Hepatic encephalopathy is confusion and forgetfulness related to poor liver function.
• Hepatopulmonary syndrome is an uncommon condition affecting the lungs, with blood vessels expanding and increasing in number, making it difficult to absorb oxygen.
• Portopulmonary syndrome is a rare condition in which some patients with liver disease develop a type of high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels in the lungs.

There are several liver diseases associated with pregnancy. They are encountered during gestation and postpartum. These occur in 3 percent to 10 percent of pregnancies. They include: hyperemesis gravidarum, acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and hemolysis and elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome.

Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the liver. It can be caused by infection, heavy alcohol usage, medicine or immune system problems. 

Symptoms can last weeks or months. They include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), weight loss, fatigue, brownish urine and nausea. The types of hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A is the most common variety and often goes away on its own.
• Hepatitis B is generally short-lived, though it can become chronic. Over time, it can damage the liver. Symptoms can be unnoticeable.
• Hepatitis C often leads to long-term, or chronic, hepatitis C. Over time it can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure.
• Hepatitis D occurs in people who already have hepatitis B. It can lead to rapid liver failure.
• Hepatitis E generally does not lead to serious health complications, though it can be dangerous for pregnant women or people with weak immune systems. It is more common in parts of the world with poor handwashing habits.