Liver disease is a very broad term that encompasses many different types of damage to the liver. Liver disease can include infectious or non-infectious hepatitis, fatty liver disease, scarring or cirrhosis due to a number of causes, liver failure, and cancers or tumors of the liver. Examples of liver diseases include hepatitis A, B, or C, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hemochromatosis, hyperoxaluria, oxalosis, Wilson's disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, liver cancer, bile duct cancer, liver adenoma, chronic alcohol abuse, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Signs and symptoms associated with liver disease vary and are dependent upon the exact type of liver disease that is present. Examples of signs and symptoms of liver disease include
- jaundice,
- abdominal pain and swelling,
- itchy skin,
- dark urine color,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- chronic fatigue,
- pale stool color,
- bloody stool,
- tar-colored stool,
- swelling in the ankles and legs,
- loss of appetite, and
- easy bruising.
Cause of liver disease
Genetics, viral infections, cancer, drug overdoses, immune system problems, and alcohol use can cause liver disease.
Other liver disease symptoms and signs
- Abdominal Pain
- Abdominal Swelling
- Bloody Stool
- Chronic Fatigue
- Dark Urine Color
- Easy Bruising
- Itchy Skin
- Jaundice
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Pale Stool Color
- Swelling in the Legs and Ankles
- Tar-Colored Stool
- Vomiting
Main Article on Liver Disease Symptoms and Signs

QUESTION
Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause: See AnswerPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Fatty Liver Disease: Nonalcoholic and Alcoholic Causes and Treatments
It could be the most common disease you've never heard of. Learn what causes it, what trouble it can lead to, and how you can...
-
Hepatitis C (Hep C) Symptoms and Treatment
What is Hepatitis C (Hep C, HVC)? Learn about hepatitis c symptoms, how you get hepatitis c, contagiousness, and hepatitis C...
-
Hepatitis C Quiz: What is Hepatitis C?
How many Americans have hepatitis C? Take this quiz to learn the facts about this chronic disease.
-
Hepatitis C, Hep B, Hep A: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Hepatitis C, B, and A are viruses that cause liver inflammation. Hepatitis B vaccines and hepatitis A vaccines are available....
-
Hepatitis: How Do You Get Hepatitis A, B, and C?
Hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B can make an infected person very sick and they are risk factors for liver cancer, liver...
-
Hepatitis: Surprising Things That Can Damage Your Liver
Alcohol and acetaminophen are well-known liver dangers, but what else can be harmful? WebMD says some of them may surprise you.
-
Liver Disease Quiz: Fatty Liver Disease, Cirrhosis & Symptoms
What is liver disease? Take the Liver Disease Quiz and test your knowledge about this organ and its function.
-
Liver Health: 14 Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver
Get some simple diet tips to keep your liver healthy, including the best veggies to keep disease away and some snacks you'll want...
-
Picture of Hepatitis B
Inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), once thought to be passed only through blood products. See a...
-
Picture of Liver
Front View of the Liver. The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. See a picture of the Liver...
From 
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.