While a variety of liver problems can occur, the symptoms for various liver problems are mostly the same. You might experience yellowing of the skin, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, itchiness, urine that is dark and stools that are pale, bloody stools, exhaustion, nausea and a loss of appetite. A doctor can diagnose the condition and help the patient get started on a treatment plan that might cure the liver problem.
Liver Failure
Liver failure is a medical emergency. Toxemia can occur as toxins build up in the body. The only cure for liver failure is a liver transplant, as the patient will need a new liver. Fortunately, the liver is the only organ that is able to regenerate itself, and a relative can donate part of his liver. Livers from relatives are preferred because they are more genetically similar to a person's own liver.
Cyst
Liver cysts are small sacs of fluid found on the liver. They are mostly harmless, but sometimes they grow large enough to cause pain and bile duct infection. When this occurs, they are surgically removed. If they become infected, the infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Fatty Liver
Livers can accumulate too much fat and can become inflamed. When this happens, liver damage can occur, which can result in the usual symptoms found in liver problems. Fatty liver is cured by the patient losing weight and avoiding alcohol.
Cancer
Tumors can develop on the liver that can be benign or malignant. Given the liver's location in the body, the liver is the most likely place for cancers from other parts of the body to spread. Liver cancer is cured through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and liver transplants.
Bile Duct Obstruction
The duct that connects the liver to the gallbladder is sometimes obstructed. Blockage is usually caused by infections that cause inflammation in the bile duct. The blockage is usually cured using surgery.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia
Focal nodular hyperplasia involves scar tissue covering the liver and sometimes causing pain. This disease is usually not a problem, but might cause complications with a female patient if she tries to get pregnant. Pregnancy can cause a rupture of the liver. Surgery may be used to remove the scar tissue. Usually, treatment is avoided because there is always a potential for dangerous complications during a surgery.
Tags: liver problems, bile duct, cure liver, found liver, scar tissue
