Liver is located in the upper part of your abdomen just beneath rib cage on
the right
side. It plays a pivotal role in the body metabolism. It is involved in the
metabolism of
protein, fat, carbohydrates, iron etc.
A myriad of pathologies and diseases can affect the liver. These include but are
not
limited to hepatitis, fatty infiltration of the liver, cancers, genetic
disorders and so forth.
Various viruses affect the liver. Some of them can cause lifelong and
irreversible
damage like Cirrhosis of liver. Some of the viral infections of liver include
Hepatitis A, B,
C, D, E, Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex virus.
Alcohol is one of the commonest liver toxin and a very important cause of liver
diseases
including cirrhosis. This can result in complications like accumulation of fluid
in the
abdomen, vomiting blood, mental changes, protein malnutrition, infections and
liver
cancer.
Fatty infiltration of the liver or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a
term used to
describe the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no
alcohol.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is common and, for most people, causes no signs
and
symptoms and no complications. However, in some people with nonalcoholic fatty
liver
disease, the fat that accumulates can cause inflammation and scarring in the
liver
ultimately leading to cirrhosis.
Cancers can develop within the liver itself and is called as hepatocellular
cancer or
cancer can spread to the liver from any other organs. Cirrhosis is one of the
most
important precursors to development of cancer in the liver.
Various metabolic disorders like hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, sarcoidosis,
alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause liver involvement and damage.
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease in which the body's immune system
attacks
the cells, of the liver and causes inflammation and liver damage. The immune
system
normally protects people from infection by identifying and destroying bacteria,
viruses,
and other potentially harmful foreign substances. Autoimmune hepatitis is a
serious
condition that may worsen over time if not treated. Autoimmune hepatitis can
lead to
cirrhosis and liver failure.
Cirrhosis is the end result of many liver diseases like viral hepatitis,
autoimmune
hepatitis, alcohol related liver disease, NAFLD, hemochromatosis etc. Cirrhosis
occurs
when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and blocks the normal flow of
blood
through the liver. Liver failure occurs when the liver stops working properly.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
The preceding information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.