Liver Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Liver. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Liver or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Liver Disease Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as gallstones, high cholesterol...learn more »
    In This Article
    Liver Disease Article
    • Liver Disease Facts
    • What is liver disease?
    • What are the causes of liver disease?
    • What are the risk factors for liver disease?
    • What are the symptoms of liver disease?
    • When to seek medical care for liver disease
    • How is liver disease diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for liver disease?
    • What are the complications of liver disease?
    • Can liver disease be prevented?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for a person with liver disease?
  • Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Abdominal Pain Article
    • Abdominal pain facts
    • What is abdominal pain?
    • What causes abdominal pain?
    • How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
    • Characteristics, symptoms, and signs of the abdominal pain
    • Associated signs and symptoms of abdominal pain
    • Physical examination
    • Exams and tests
    • Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
    • Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
    • How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
  • Edema Edema is the swelling of tissues as a result of excess water accumulations. Peripheral edema occurs in the feet and legs. There...learn more »
    In This Article
    Edema Article
    • What is edema?
    • What is pitting edema and how does it differ from non-pitting edema?
    • What causes pitting edema?
    • How does salt intake affect edema?
    • Why does a patient with heart disease retain fluid?
    • Why do patients with liver disease develop ascites and edema?
    • Why does edema occur in patients with kidney disease?
    • What is idiopathic edema?
    • How does venous insufficiency cause edema?
    • Which diuretics are used to treat edema?
    • Are diuretics used for other purposes?
    • Edema At A Glance
  • Cirrhosis (Liver) Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cirrhosis (Liver) Article
    • What is cirrhosis?
    • Why does cirrhosis cause problems?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis?
    • What are the complications of cirrhosis?
    • What are the common causes of cirrhosis?
    • How is cirrhosis diagnosed and evaluated?
    • How is cirrhosis treated?
    • What is new and in the future for cirrhosis?
    • Cirrhosis At A Glance
  • Itching Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »
    In This Article
    Itching Article
    • Itching (itch) facts
    • What is an itch?
    • What are associated symptoms and signs of itching?
    • What causes itching?
    • How is the cause of itching diagnosed?
    • Should I scratch the itch?
    • What are topical (external) itch treatments? Are there any home remedies for itching?
    • What are oral itch treatments?
    • Can itching be prevented?
    • When should the doctor be consulted for itching?
    • What are possible complications of itching?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for itching?
  • Gallstones Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Gallstones Article
    • Gallstones facts
    • What are gallstones?
    • What causes gallstones?
    • Who is at risk for gallstones?
    • What are the symptoms of gallstones?
    • What are the complications of gallstones?
    • What is the relationship of gallbladder sludge to gallstones?
    • How are gallstones diagnosed?
    • What are the potential pitfalls of diagnosing gallstones?
    • How are gallstones treated?
    • Can gallstones be prevented?
    • Can symptoms continue after gallstones are removed?
    • What is new with gallstones?
  • Liver Cancer Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year...learn more »
    In This Article
    Liver Cancer Article
    • Liver cancer facts
    • What is liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC)?
    • What is the scope of the liver cancer problem?
    • What are the population characteristics (epidemiology) of liver cancer?
    • What are liver cancer causes and risk factors?
    • What are liver cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is liver cancer diagnosed?
    • Blood tests
    • Imaging studies
    • Liver biopsy or aspiration
    • What is the natural history of liver cancer?
    • What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
    • Chemotherapy and biotherapy
    • Chemoembolization (trans-arterial chemoembolization or TACE)
    • Radioembolization
    • Ablation techniques
    • Cryoablation
    • Stereotactic radiosurgery
    • Proton beam therapy
    • Surgery
    • Is there a role for routine screening for liver cancer?
    • What is fibrolamellar carcinoma?
    • What's in the future for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer?
  • Thyroid Cancer There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tumors on the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Thyroid Cancer Article
    • Thyroid cancer facts*
    • What is the thyroid?
    • What is cancer?
    • What are the different types of thyroid cancer?
    • Thyroid cancer symptoms*
    • How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
    • How is staging determined for thyroid cancer?
    • What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
    • Surgery
    • Thyroid hormone treatment
    • Radioactive iodine therapy
    • External radiation therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Second opinion
    • Follow-up care
    • Sources of support
    • Taking part in cancer research
  • Ascites Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Some of the other...learn more »
    In This Article
    Ascites Article
    • What is ascites?
    • What causes ascites?
    • What are the types of ascites?
    • What are the risk factors for ascites?
    • What are the symptoms of ascites?
    • When should I call my doctor about ascites?
    • How is ascites diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for ascites?
    • What are the complications for ascites?
    • Can ascites be prevented?
    • What is the outlook for ascites?
    • Ascites At A Glance
    • Other sources of information on ascites
  • Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C) Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by blood transfusion,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C) Article
    • Hepatitis C infection (HCV, hep C) facts
    • What is hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the nature (biology) of the hepatitis C virus?
    • How does liver damage occur in hepatitis C infection?
    • How is hepatitis C virus spread, is it contagious, and how can transmission be prevented?
    • What are the symptoms of hepatitis C infection?
    • What conditions outside the liver are associated with hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the usual progression of chronic hepatitis C infection?
    • Who is at high risk and should be tested for hepatitis C infection?
    • What are the diagnostic tests for hepatitis C virus and how are they used to diagnose hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the role of a liver biopsy in the management of chronic hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the treatment for hepatitis C infection?
    • Who should receive antiviral therapy for hepatitis C infection?
    • What are the different patterns of response to antiviral treatment?
    • What are the goals of therapy for hepatitis C infection?
    • What are the therapy options for previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C infection?
    • How are relapses and nonresponders treated?
    • Should individuals with acute hepatitis C infection be treated?
    • What are the side effects of treatment for hepatitis C infection?
    • What about liver transplantation for hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the current research and what is in the future for hepatitis C infection?
  • Alcoholism Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...learn more »
    In This Article
    Alcoholism Article
    • Alcoholism and alcohol abuse facts
    • What is alcohol abuse?
    • What is alcoholism?
    • What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?
    • What are risk factors for alcoholism?
    • What causes alcoholism? Is alcoholism hereditary?
    • What are alcohol abuse and alcoholism symptoms and signs in teenagers, women, men, and the elderly?
    • How is alcoholism diagnosed?
    • What are the stages of alcoholism?
    • What is the treatment for alcoholism?
    • What medications treat alcoholism?
    • How can you tell if someone has a drinking problem?
    • Can an alcoholic just cut back or stop drinking?
    • Is there a safe level of drinking?
    • Is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant?
    • How can someone find more information or get help or support to treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
    • What are the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
    • What is codependency and what is the treatment for codependency?
    • Can alcoholism be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis of alcoholism?
  • Encephalopathy Encephalopathy means brain disease, damage, or malfunction. Causes of encephalopathy are varied and numerous. The main symptom of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Encephalopathy Article
    • Encephalopathy facts
    • Encephalopathy definition and overview
    • What causes encephalopathy?
    • What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?
    • How is encephalopathy diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for encephalopathy?
    • What are the complications of encephalopathy?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for encephalopathy?
    • Can encephalopathy be prevented?
    • For more information on types of encephalopathy
  • Cholesterol Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cholesterol Article
    • Cholesterol facts
    • What is cholesterol?
    • What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?
    • What determines the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood?
    • Does lowering LDL cholesterol prevent heart attacks and strokes?
    • How can LDL cholesterol levels be lowered?
    • What are the current NCEP cholesterol treatment guidelines?
    • Why is HDL the good cholesterol?
    • What are triglycerides and VLDL?
    • What medications are available to lower cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides?
    • Is lowering LDL cholesterol enough?
  • Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. The outcome of the disease...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cystic Fibrosis Article
    • Cystic fibrosis facts*
    • What is cystic fibrosis?
    • What are other names for cystic fibrosis?
    • What causes cystic fibrosis?
    • Is cystic fibrosis inherited?
    • Who is at risk for cystic fibrosis?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
    • How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?
    • How is cystic fibrosis treated?
    • Living with cystic fibrosis
    • What is the outlook for cystic fibrosis?
  • Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) The hepatitis B virus (HBV, hep B) is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) Article
    • What is hepatitis?
    • How is the hepatitis B virus spread (transmitted)?
    • What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection?
    • What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection?
    • How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
    • What is the role of a liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis B?
    • What is the natural course of chronic hepatitis B?
    • What medications are used to treat hepatitis B?
    • What are the effects of alcohol on hepatitis B?
    • What are the effects of immunosuppressive medications on hepatitis B?
    • What is delta hepatitis?
    • What about co-infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus?
    • What happens in co-infection with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus?
    • What is the role of liver transplantation in hepatitis B?
    • What can be done to prevent hepatitis B?
    • What is new in the treatment of hepatitis B?
    • Hepatitis B At A Glance
  • Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) Hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload) is an inherited disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body....learn more »
    In This Article
    Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) Article
    • What is hereditary hemochromatosis?
    • How is hemochromatosis inherited?
    • What are the symptoms of hemochromatosis?
    • How is hemochromatosis diagnosed?
    • How is hemochromatosis treated?
    • What are dietary recommendations in hemochromatosis
    • What are recommendations for screening for liver cancer in hemochromatosis?
    • Related iron overload article:
      Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) - on eMedicineHealth
  • Nausea and Vomiting Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms...learn more »
    In This Article
    Nausea and Vomiting Article
    • Nausea and vomiting facts
    • Introduction to nausea and vomiting
    • What causes nausea or vomiting?
    • Acute gastritis and nausea and vomiting
    • Central causes of nausea and vomiting
    • Nausea and vomiting associated with illness
    • Nausea and vomiting from medications and medical treatments
    • Nausea and vomiting and bowel obstruction
    • Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (morning sickness)
    • Vomiting in infants
    • What are home remedies for nausea or vomiting?
    • When should I call the doctor regarding nausea and vomiting?
    • How is the source of nausea or vomiting diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for nausea and vomiting?
  • Fatty Liver Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a wide spectrum of liver disease ranging from simple fatty liver (steatosis),...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fatty Liver Article
    • Nonalcoholic fatty liver facts
    • What are nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis?
    • Why is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease important?
    • What causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
    • What is the difference between nonalcoholic fatty liver and steatohepatitis?
    • What is the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes?
    • What is the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome?
    • What are the symptoms of fatty liver?
    • How is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosed?
    • What are the other causes of fatty liver?
    • What are the complications of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
    • How is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treated?
    • Weight loss and exercise
    • Diet
    • Medications and other treatment options
    • Bariatric surgery
    • Liver transplant
    • What is the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease?
    • What diseases are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
    • Does nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occur in children?
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
    In This Article
    Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Article
    • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men facts
    • What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
    • Diseases associated with genital lesions
    • Chancroid
    • Genital herpes
    • Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
    • Syphilis
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
    • Diseases associated with urethritis
    • Urethritis
    • Chlamydia
    • Gonorrhea
    • Systemic STDs
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Hepatitis B
    • Hepatitis C
    • Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)
    • Ectoparasitic infections
  • Jaundice Jaundice is a yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclerae) with bilirubin, the pigment found in bile. Jaundice...learn more »
    In This Article
    Jaundice Article
    • What is jaundice?
    • What causes jaundice?
    • What problems and symptoms does jaundice cause?
    • What diseases cause jaundice?
    • What about jaundice in pregnancy?
    • What is neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborn infants)?
    • How is the cause of jaundice diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for jaundice?
    • Can jaundice be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for jaundice?
  • Drug-Induced Liver Disease Drug-induced liver diseases are diseases of the liver that are caused by physician-prescribed medications, OTC medications,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Drug-Induced Liver Disease Article
    • What is drug-induced liver disease?
    • What is the liver?
    • What are the symptoms of liver disease?
    • How do drugs cause liver disease?
    • What types of liver disease do drugs cause?
    • Elevated blood levels of liver enzymes
    • Acute and chronic hepatitis
    • Acute liver failure
    • Cholestasis
    • Steatosis (fatty liver)
    • Cirrhosis
    • Hepatic vein thrombosis
    • How is drug-induced liver disease diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for drug-induced liver disease?
    • What are some important examples of drug-induced liver disease?
  • Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis, A, B, C, D, E, G) Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G) or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis, A, B, C, D, E, G) Article
    • Viral hepatitis facts
    • Viral hepatitis definition and overview
    • What are the common types of viral hepatitis?
    • Who is at risk for viral hepatitis?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of viral hepatitis?
    • What is acute fulminant hepatitis?
    • What is chronic viral hepatitis?
    • How is viral hepatitis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for viral hepatitis?
    • How is viral hepatitis prevented?
    • Hepatitis vaccinations
    • What is the prognosis of viral hepatitis?
  • Tylenol Liver Damage Tylenol liver damage (acetaminophen) can occur from accidentally ingesting too much acetaminophen, or intentionally....learn more »
    In This Article
    Tylenol Liver Damage Article
    • "Is it safe for me to take Tylenol?"
    • Do the recommended doses of Tylenol cause any liver damage?
    • Why should we know that the generic name of Tylenol is acetaminophen?
    • Just how much acetaminophen is safe to take?
    • How is acetaminophen processed (metabolized) in the body?
    • How does an overdose of acetaminophen cause liver injury?
    • Is overdose with acetaminophen usually accidental or intentional?
    • How can accidental overdose be avoided in adults?
    • How can overdose be avoided in children?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of acetaminophen-induced liver damage?
    • What should be done if acetaminophen toxicity is suspected?
    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Liver Damage At A Glance
  • Bruises A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin. The raised area...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bruises Article
    • What is a bruise?
    • Why do bruises occur more frequently in some people than in others?
    • What does a bruise look like, and why does it change color?
    • What if the bruise doesn't get better or the area stays swollen?
    • What are some less common causes of bruising, and what do they indicate?
    • What is the treatment for bruising?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for bruising?
    • Bumps & bruises facts
  • Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of small bile ducts...learn more »
    In This Article
    Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Article
    • What is PBC?
    • What is the scope of the problem?
    • What is the cause of PBC?
    • What are the symptoms and physical findings in PBC?
    • What manifestations are specifically due to PBC itself?
    • What are the manifestations of the complications of cirrhosis in PBC?
    • What are the manifestations of diseases associated with PBC?
    • What are risk factors for PBC?
    • How is PBC diagnosed?
    • What is the role of blood tests?
    • What is the role of testing for antimitochondrial antibodies?
    • What is the role of imaging tests?
    • What is the role of liver biopsy?
    • What are the criteria for a definitive diagnosis of PBC
    • What is the course of natural progression in PBC?
    • What are the sequential clinical phases of PBC?
    • What is the role of mathematical models in predicting the outcome (prognosis) in PBC?
    • What about pregnancy in PBC?
  • Hepatic Hemangioma Hepatic hemangiomas are referred to as tumors, however, they not malignant and do not become cancerous. Hemangiomas can occur in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatic Hemangioma Article
    • What is a hepatic hemangioma?
    • What are the symptoms of a hepatic hemangioma?
    • How is the diagnosis of a hepatic hemangioma made?
    • What is the treatment for hepatic hemangioma?
  • Arsenic Poisoning Arsenic comes in two forms, inorganic and organic. Organic arsenic poisoning is usually not poisonous to humans; however,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Arsenic Poisoning Article
    • Arsenic facts
    • What is arsenic?
    • What is inorganic arsenic?
    • What is organic arsenic?
    • What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning?
    • How is arsenic poisoning diagnosed?
    • How is arsenic poisoning treated?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) of arsenic poisoning?
    • What foods, products, or liquids (water) is arsenic found and where is it used?
  • Hepatitis A (HAV, Hep A) Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A (HAV, Hep A) is one type of liver disease caused by a virus. Since...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis A (HAV, Hep A) Article
    • Hepatitis A facts*
    • What is hepatitis A?
    • What is the liver?
    • What causes hepatitis A?
    • Who gets hepatitis A?
    • How could I get hepatitis A?
    • What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
    • How is hepatitis A diagnosed?
    • How is hepatitis A treated?
    • How can I avoid getting hepatitis A?
    • What should I do if I think I have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus?
    • Hope through Research
    • For More Information
    • Acknowledgments
  • Bleeding Varices Varices are dilated blood vessels usually in the esophagus or stomach. Symptoms of bleeding varices include vomiting blood, black...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bleeding Varices Article
    • Introduction to bleeding varices
    • What are the symptoms of bleeding Varices?
    • How are bleeding varices treated?
    • Can bleeding varices be prevented?
  • Porphyria Porphyria is a group of disorders that affect the nervous system, skin, or both. Porphyria is often an inherited condition that...learn more »
    In This Article
    Porphyria Article
    • Porphyria facts*
    • What is porphyria?
    • What are the types of porphyria?
    • What causes porphyria?
    • What are the symptoms of porphyria?
    • How is porphyria diagnosed?
    • How is porphyria treated?
  • Hepatitis A and B Immunizations Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are the two most commnon viruses that infect the liver. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis A and B Immunizations Article
    • Introduction to hepatitis
    • Hepatitis A
    • Hepatitis B
  • Ulcerative Colitis Diet Ulcerative colitis diet can help you avoid the foods that aggravate this bowel condition. Self-management of ulcerative colitis...learn more »
    In This Article
    Ulcerative Colitis Diet Article
    • Ulcerative colitis introduction
    • What is ulcerative colitis?
    • How can an ulcerative colitis diet plan help?
    • What foods are included in an ulcerative colitis diet plan?
    • What foods should I avoid in an ulcerative colitis diet plan?
    • How can I remember the foods that trigger my ulcerative colitis symptoms?
    • What else is important with an ulcerative colitis diet?
    • What does the latest research show about the link between nutrients and inflammation?