Liver disease is any condition that affects liver function. Some of the diseases of liver are:
Hepatitis
Is the inflammation of the liver caused by viruses. Hepatitis A is caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), which spreads primarily through contaminated food or water, or by stool from an infected person. Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus, and spreads by contact with an infected person’s blood, semen and other body fluids. Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus, and spreads through contact with the infected person’s blood, sexual contact, and from mother to baby.
Cirrhosis
It is a chronic liver disease characterised by abnormal structure and function of the liver. Healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, partially blocking the flow of blood through the liver. Treatment includes avoidance of alcohol, nutritional therapy and other therapies. Liver transplantation is the final option for patients with liver failure. It is a major surgery in which the diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver from a donor.
Cancer
It is a cancer arising from the liver and results from the abnormal growth of the cells in the liver. It is also known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Early cancers can be treated by surgery or ablative methods. The treatment options for liver cancer are: Partial hepatectomy is surgery wherein affected part of the liver is removed along with some of the healthy tissue around it. Liver transplantation is surgical removal of entire diseased liver and replacing it with the healthy donated liver.
Ablative methods include radiofrequency ablation wherein special probes with tiny electrodes are used to kill the cancer cells. High energy radio waves coming from the probe destroy the cancer cells. Microwave ablation is an additional technique.
Jaundice
Is not a disease, but rather a symptom of liver diseases. It is yellow discolouration of skin due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
