The liver, an organ located in the right side of the abdomen, is responsible for breaking down glucose, making proteins and metabolizing medications and alcohol. Sometimes, the liver can become scarred or infected. Sometimes, the cells within the liver can grow at a rapid rate. Fortunately, the common diseases of the liver can be treated.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis refers to a disease in which the liver's tissues become scarred as a result of such conditions as chronic alcohol use, hepatitis B or C and iron buildup in the body. The Mayo Clinic says that cirrhosis symptoms include easy bleeding or bruising, weight loss, swelling of the legs, unintentional weight loss, a poor appetite and fatigue. Treating cirrhosis involves discontinuing alcohol use, removing excess fluid from the body and taking antibiotics to treat any infections. Sometimes, a liver transplant is needed to manage cirrhosis.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C refers to a viral infection that infiltrates the liver and leads to inflammation. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, a fever, muscle or joint pain and liver tenderness. Risk factors for developing hepatitis C include being HIV-positive, being exposed to infected blood, injecting illicit drugs and receiving a blood transfusion. Other risk factors for hepatitis C include being born to a woman with hepatitis C and receiving hemodialysis treatments. Sometimes, hepatitis C does not require treatment, because liver damage is minimal. In some instances, treating hepatitis C involves taking antiviral medications or having a liver transplant.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a cancer of the liver that is potentially life-threatening. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma include easy bleeding or bruising, an enlarged abdomen and stomach pain in the upper part of the right side. Alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C infection, autoimmune diseases of the liver and liver inflammation are risk factors for developing the disease. Treating hepatocellular carcinoma involves receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments to kill the cancerous cells. Sometimes, a liver transplant is necessary to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.
Enlarged Liver
An enlarged liver, medically known as hepatomegaly, is a medical condition in which the liver is larger than its normal size. The Mayo Clinic says that specific symptoms of an enlarged liver include fatigue, stomach pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Sometimes, this condition may not display any signs or symptoms. Risk factors for developing an enlarged liver include drinking too much alcohol, taking too much acetaminophen and using herbal supplements such as black cohosh or mistletoe. Sometimes, certain infections such as hepatitis, malaria and Q fever can lead to an enlarged liver. Treating an enlarged liver involves treating its cause.
