In this guide
Alcohol and the liver
The video contains English captions.
Understanding this topic
Fatty liver / MASLD
Metabolic fatty liver disease is strongly linked with excess weight, insulin resistance, diabetes and abnormal lipids. Many people have no symptoms. Weight management, physical activity and control of diabetes, blood pressure and lipids are central parts of care. Some patients develop inflammation or fibrosis and need liver-focused follow-up.
NIDDKHepatitis A, B and C
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis A, B and C are different infections with different routes of spread, prevention and treatment. Hepatitis A is often acquired by contaminated food/water or close contact and is vaccine-preventable. Hepatitis B also has an effective vaccine. Hepatitis C is mainly blood-borne and can usually be cured with modern antiviral treatment. Testing matters because chronic infection may be silent.
CDCFatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Metabolic fatty liver (MASLD), viral hepatitis, alcohol, medicines and autoimmune disease have different treatments. Cirrhosis is advanced scarring; normal liver enzymes alone do not exclude important disease. Simple cysts and haemangiomas are often benign; other masses need characterization.
Liver, gallbladder and gallstones concept
AI-created conceptual artwork; not a patient result or an exact surgical diagram.
Explore the educational diagram and sources
Educational illustration
The liver lies mainly in the upper right abdomen beneath the diaphragm.
An educational schematic, not a patient result or a personalized treatment plan. Original labels may be in another language.
Open larger image ↗Source & licence
Blausen.com staff (2014), Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014, WikiJournal of Medicine 1(2), doi:10.15347/wjm/2014.010
Blausen 0616 Liver Location.png · CC BY 3.0
Simplified educational image; not to scale.
Assessment and treatment
- Blood tests, hepatitis testing, ultrasound and sometimes elastography, CT or MRI are selected individually. High-risk patients need a liver-cancer surveillance plan. Treatment targets the cause and may include weight and diabetes management or antiviral therapy. Avoid alcohol and unprescribed “liver detox” supplements. Discuss indicated vaccines.
If surgery is needed
- Not every mass needs removal. Liver reserve and bleeding risk are checked before surgery. Afterwards, follow wound, nutrition and laboratory follow-up plans; do not start restrictive diets or medicines yourself.
Explore the educational diagram and sources
Educational illustration
The gallbladder, liver and pancreas in relation to the stomach.
An educational schematic, not a patient result or a personalized treatment plan. Original labels may be in another language.
Open larger image ↗Source & licence
Blausen.com staff (2014), Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014, WikiJournal of Medicine 1(2), doi:10.15347/wjm/2014.010
Blausen 0428 Gallbladder-Liver-Pancreas Location.png · CC BY 3.0
Simplified educational image; not to scale.
Warning signs
- Vomiting blood, black stools, new confusion, fainting or severe pain with fever needs urgent care. New jaundice, abdominal swelling or leg swelling needs prompt assessment; jaundice with fever and abdominal pain can be an emergency.
Sources
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