A healthy liver is an important part of a number of functions; the liver regulates the materials in blood, stores energy, removes toxins and breaks down nutrients for use. When the liver is weakened, many of the body’s functions are at risk.
Conditions affecting the liver can include:
- Hepatitis- Inflammation of the liver due to a virus or autoimmune disease which causes the body to attack its own healthy liver cells.
- Cirrhosis – A severe form of fibrosis, in which healthy tissue is replaced with scar tissue, blocking blood flow and slowing down liver functions.
- Cancer – The formation of cancerous cells in the liver.
Liver Diseases Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of liver diseases can vary, but often have similar signs, such as:
- Unintended weight loss
- Change in appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chronic fatigue
- Discolored urine or stool
- Abdominal pain
- Itching and swelling
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Similarly, diagnostic procedures will depend on the symptoms you are showing. Your primary care or referring physician will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam. They will likely request blood tests and imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) of the liver. An interventional radiologist can perform a liver biopsy, during which they will take a small sample of tissue from the diseased organ to analyze.
Treatment Options for Liver Diseases
Creating a personalized treatment plan to best treat your liver disease is a collaborative effort between our interventional radiologists and specialists within the Kellogg Cancer Center, hepatology, and gastroenterology. We offer diagnostic measures, as well as minimally invasive procedures which will reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Our interventional radiology team uses advanced techniques to treat liver diseases including:
For More Information
To schedule an appointment with one of our interventional radiologists, please call 847.570.2160.