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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic Hepatitis What is alcoholic hepatitis? Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. Alcoholic hepatitis is a complex problem and is a precursor to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. If an individual develops alcoholic hepatitis and stops drinking, the inflammation is often reversible over time. However, if the individual has already developed cirrhosis, the liver disease can progress rapidly to liver failure. What are the symptoms of alcoholic h...
Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease
Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease What is alcohol-induced liver disease? Alcohol-induced liver disease, as the name implies, is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and is a common, but preventable, disease. There are three primary types of alcohol-induced liver disease, including the following: Fatty liver. Fatty liver is excessive accumulation of fat inside the liver cells. Fatty liver is the most common alcohol-induced liver disorder. The liver is enlarged, causing upper abdominal discomfort on the...
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune Hepatitis What is autoimmune hepatitis? Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. In autoimmune hepatitis, the body's own immune system destroys the cells of the liver. It is a chronic inflammatory liver disease with no known cause. It is associated with a disorder called hypergammaglobulinemia. Hypergammaglobulinemia is a disorder where there are too many circulating protein antibodies in the blood. A chronic infection or certain malignant bl...
Biliary Cirrhosis/Bile Duct Cancer
Biliary Cirrhosis/Bile Duct Cancer What is biliary cirrhosis? Biliary cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts. Symptoms usually include cholestasis (accumulation of bile in the liver). There are two types of biliary cirrhosis: Primary biliary cirrhosis. Inflammation and destruction of bile ducts in the liver, usually due to an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Secondary biliary cirrhosis. This resul...
Cholangitis
Cholangitis What is cholangitis? Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct system that is usually related to a bacterial infection. The bile duct system is the drainage system that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the area of the small intestine called the duodenum. The infection may occur suddenly or may be chronic. What causes cholangitis? There are several conditions that may trigger an infection in the bile duct system. The primary cause of cholangitis is an obstruction or bloc...
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis What is cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder wall and nearby abdominal lining. Cholecystitis is usually caused by a gallstone in the cystic duct, the duct that connects the gallbladder to the hepatic duct. Other causes of cholecystitis may include the following: Bacterial infection in the bile duct system. The bile duct system is the drainage system that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the area of the small intestine called the duodenum. Tumor...
Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis
Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis What is chronic liver disease? Chronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. Several liver diseases fall under this category: Cirrhosis of the liver Fibrosis of the liver What is cirrhosis of the liver? Cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Because of chronic damage to the liver, scar tissue slowly replaces normal function...
Common Characteristics of Liver Disease
Common Characteristics of Liver Disease What are some common liver disease symptoms? When diagnosing liver disease, the doctor looks at the patient's symptoms and conducts a physical examination. In addition, the doctor may request a liver biopsy, liver function tests, an ultrasound, a computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Some common liver disease symptoms include the following, each of which are described briefly below: Jaundice. A yellowing of the skin and eye...
Common Liver Function Tests
Common Liver Function Tests What are some of the most common liver function tests? A series of special blood tests can often determine whether or not the liver is functioning properly. These tests can also distinguish between acute and chronic liver disorders and between hepatitis and cholestasis. The most commonly performed blood tests include the following: Serum bilirubin test. This test measures the levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the liver and is excreted in the bile. Ele...
Congenital Liver Defects
Congenital Liver Defects What are congenital liver defects? Defects of the liver at birth usually affect the bile ducts. Though rare, some congenital liver defects include: Biliary atresia. A condition in which the bile ducts are blocked or have developed abnormally to obstruct flow of bile in infants. Choledochal cyst. A malformation of the hepatic duct that can obstruct flow of bile in infants. What are the indicators that a congenital liver defect may be present? Congenital liver defects that affect ...
Disorders of the Biliary System
Disorders of the Biliary System Many disorders of the biliary system require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Gallstones Cholangitis Cholecystitis Biliary Cirrhosis / Biliary Duct Cancer
Disorders of the Liver
Disorders of the Liver Many disorders of the liver require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease Chronic Liver Disease / Cirrhosis Congenital Defects Hepatitis Liver Tumors Other Liver Disorders Liver Transplantation
Disorders of the Pancreas
Disorders of the Pancreas Many disorders of the pancreas require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Pancreatitis Pancreatic Cancer Cystic Fibrosis
Drug-Induced Hepatitis
Drug-Induced Hepatitis What is drug-induced hepatitis? Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. Drug-induced hepatitis is rare and is caused by toxic exposure to certain medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or food supplements. Usually, the toxicity occurs after taking the causative agent for several months, or from an overdose of a medication, such as acetaminophen. Usually, the agent is discontinued once hepatitis is suspected and is rarely restart...
Gallstones
Gallstones What are gallstones? Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stone-like material. Too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (bile pigment) can cause gallstones. When gallstones are present in the gallbladder itself, it is called cholelithiasis. When gallstones are present in the bile ducts, it is called choledocholithiasis. Gallstones that obstruct bile ducts can lead to a severe or life-threatening infection of the bile ducts, pancreas, or liver. Bile ducts can ...
Glossary - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Glossary - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Abdomen - area between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Absorption - the way nutrients from food move from the small intestine into the cells in the body. Accessory digestive organs - organ...
Hepatitis
Hepatitis Several types of hepatitis require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Autoimmune Hepatitis Viral Hepatitis Overview Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Drug-Induced Hepatitis Alcoholic Hepatitis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Click Image to Enlarge What is hepatitis? The liver is one of the organs that helps with digestion but is not part of the digestive tract. It is the largest organ in the body and carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that sometimes causes permanent damage. It is most commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, certain medicines, or alcohol. It may also be caused b...
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C Click Image to Enlarge What is hepatitis? The liver is one of the organs that helps with digestion but is not part of the digestive tract. It is the largest organ in the body and carries out many important functions, such as making bile, changing food into energy, and cleaning alcohol and poisons from the blood. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that sometimes causes permanent damage. It is most commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, certain medications, or alcohol. It may also be caused...
Home Page - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Topic Index The Liver: Anatomy and Functions The Biliary System: Anatomy and Functions The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions Statistics Common Characteristics of Liver Disease Common Liver Function Tests Diagnostic Procedures Disorders of the Liver Disorders of the Biliary System Disorders of the Pancreas Glossary Millions of U.S. adults suffer from liver, bile duct, or gallbladder diseases, according to the American Liver Foundation. The liver is the largest organ in the human body. It is also one of the...
Liver Disease Statistics
Liver Disease Statistics The following are the latest statistics available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Liver Foundation: Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases are common disease-related causes of death in the U.S. Approximately 31,000 people in the U.S. die each year from cirrhosis. The vast majority of cases of cirrhosis could be prevented by eliminating chronic alcohol abuse. Approximately 2.7 to 3.9 million people in the U.S. are chronically infected with...
Liver Transplantation
Liver Transplantation What is a liver transplant? A liver transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver from another person. The liver may come from a deceased organ donor or from a living donor. Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may be able to donate a portion of their liver. This type of transplant is called a living transplant. Individuals who donate a portion of their liver can live healthy lives with the remaining l...
Liver Tumors
Liver Tumors What is a tumor? Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells begin to reproduce at an increased rate. Both noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors can develop in the liver. What are noncancerous liver tumors? Noncancerous (benign) tumors are quite common and usually do not produce symptoms. Often, they are not diagnosed until an ultrasound, computed tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging scan is performed. There are several types of benign liver tumors, ...
Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Diagnostic Procedures
Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Diagnostic Procedures How is a liver, biliary, or pancreatic disorder diagnosed? In order to reach a diagnosis for liver, biliary, or pancreatic disorders, a thorough and accurate medical history will be taken by your doctor, noting the symptoms you have experienced and any other pertinent information. A physical examination is also done to help assess the problem more completely. The most commonly performed diagnostic procedures include the following: Cholecystography (al...
Online Resources - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Online Resources - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your c...
Other Liver Disorders
Other Liver Disorders What are autoimmune liver disorders? An autoimmune disorder is any reaction or attack of a person's immune system against its own organs and tissues. In the liver, the immune system can destroy liver cells and damage bile ducts. Chronic active hepatitis can be caused by an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune hepatitis, the body's own immune system destroys the cells of the liver. It may be classified as type 1 or type 2. Type 1 (classic) is the most common form. It may occur at any ...
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, about 44,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer and about 38,000 deaths are expected in 2011. Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells grow out of control. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include: Age - most pancreatic cancer occurs in people over the age of 45. Smoking - heavy cigarette smokers are two or three times more likely than no...
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas. Autodigestion describes a process whereby pancreatic enzymes destroy its own tissue leading to inflammation. The inflammation may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). Acute pancreatitis usually involves a single "attack," after which the pancreas returns to normal. Severe acute pancreatitis can be life threatening. In chronic pancreatitis, permanent damage occurs to the pancreas and its function, of...
Pseudocysts of the Pancreas
Pseudocysts of the Pancreas What are pseudocysts of the pancreas? Pseudocysts of the pancreas are abnormal collections of fluid, dead tissue, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can lead to a painful mass in the pancreas. Pseudocysts usually develop several weeks after an episode of acute pancreatitis (a sudden, painful inflammation of the pancreas). Alcoholism also contributes to the risk of pseudocysts of the pancreas. Other, more rare causes include abdominal trauma and gallbladder disease. What are t...
The Biliary System: Anatomy and Functions
The Biliary System: Anatomy and Functions Anatomy of the biliary system The biliary system consists of the organs and ducts (bile ducts, gallbladder, and associated structures) that are involved in the production and transportation of bile. Click to Enlarge The transportation of bile follows this sequence: When the liver cells secrete bile, it is collected by a system of ducts that flow from the liver through the right and left hepatic ducts. These ducts ultimately drain into the common hepatic duct. Th...
The Liver: Anatomy and Functions
The Liver: Anatomy and Functions Anatomy of the liver The liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. Click to Enlarge Shaped like a cone, the liver is a dark reddish-brown organ that weighs about 3 pounds. There are two distinct sources that supply blood to the liver, including the following: Oxygenated blood flows in from the hepatic artery Nutrient-rich blood flows in from the hepatic portal ...
The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions
The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions Click Image to Enlarge Anatomy of the pancreas The pancreas is an elongated, tapered organ located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The right side of the organ, called the head, is the widest part of the organ and lies in the curve of the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. The tapered left side extends slightly upward, called the body of the pancreas, and ends near the spleen, called the tail. The pancreas is made up of two types of...
Topic Index - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Topic Index - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders Home The Liver: Anatomy and Functions The Biliary System: Anatomy and Functions The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions Statistics Common Characteristics of Liver Disease Common Liver Function Tests Diagnostic Procedures Disorders of the Liver Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease Chronic Liver Disease / Cirrhosis Ascites Congenital Liver Defects Hepatitis Autoimmune Hepatitis Viral Hepatitis Overview Hepatitis A Hepatit...
Viral Hepatitis Overview
Viral Hepatitis Overview What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that results in liver cell damage and destruction. Click Image to Enlarge Hepatitis can be categorized in two groups: Acute hepatitis Chronic hepatitis There are six main types of the hepatitis virus that have been identified: Hepatitis A. This type of hepatitis is usually spread by fecal-oral contact, or fecal-infected food and water. It may also be spread by blood-borne infection (which is rare). The following is a list...
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