When the Liver is diseased?

liver_disease Liver diseases can be divided into three groups. The first – focal disease, when struck by a station. It can be as tumors (benign and malignant), and cysts. Malignant tumors can grow both in the liver (if they are primary) or metastatic way. Carcinoma of the stomach, intestines, pancreas, usually go to the liver metastases. Cysts of the liver (the cavity containing the liquid) are parasitic (when the agent, for example, echinococcus) and no parasitic (congenital).

The second group – diffuse liver disease. There is no single center; the disease spreads throughout the liver. These are acute hepatitis, which can go into chronic. And those in turn lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The third group – diseases of the bile ducts. The most common cholelithiasis. While sometimes there is an inflammation of ducts, and even duct cancer.

Causes of focal, especially cancers, as a rule, are unknown. They are still learning. Benign cysts are congenital. The reason for stone formation is a metabolic disease. Hepatitis caused by viruses. And if three decades ago were known only two – A and B, then the doctors discovered a new group of viruses called hepatitis them “neither A – or B”. Began to study in detail – have opened hepatitis C. It is noteworthy that the hepatitis C virus has a number of genotypes, they are different.

Benign focal liver tumors, as a rule, are not dangerous for life. You can live with them. But only if you are confident in the diagnosis and if, for example, vascular tumor (hemangioma) – is a small size. If the tumors begin to grow in size, it can lead to abnormal liver function. Then it is better to remove them. Of course, a small benign cyst can be punctured. Parasitic cysts of the liver (Echinococcus) will inevitably grow, and they should be removed ass well as malignant tumors.

During the early stages of liver disease there are certain areas of the liver that may be prone to inflammation and scarring, including the lobules and the area where the large portal vein and its branches enter the liver, called the portal triad.

During the intermediate stages of liver disease, the fibrosis tissue or scarring expands and “bridges” between portal areas. Doctors assign “grades” to the degree of inflammation and liver cell damage and they identify “stages” of liver scarring and cirrhosis. These stages and grades are assessed as: none, minimal, mild, moderate or severe.

Warning! When liver disease is contraindicated:

  1. to receive hepatotoxic drugs (certain antibiotics and psychotropic drugs)
  2. physiotherapeutic procedures allowed after consultation with the doctor
  3. insolation (direct sunlight)
  4. vaccination (vaccine) – are allowed only after consultation with the doctor .