Liver diseases may remain silent for a long time and later lead to jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and a risk of bleeding.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Jaundice and confusion
- Vomiting blood and black stools
- Rapid abdominal swelling
- High fever and abdominal pain
- Severe weakness and bleeding
What is it?
There may be no symptoms at an early stage. Changes in liver test results require serious attention because complications may be prevented if the cause is identified in time.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Discomfort in the right upper abdomen
- Jaundice
- Itching
- Abdominal swelling
- Leg edema
- Easy bruising
Causes & risk factors
- Hepatitis B/C
- Alcohol
- Fatty liver disease
- Obesity and diabetes
- Medication toxicity
- Autoimmune diseases
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and investigation results are assessed together.
- Liver enzymes
- Hepatitis markers
- Ultrasound
- Elastography
- CT/MRI in selected cases
- Biopsy in selected cases
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting diseases, and procedural risk.
- Cause-directed treatment
- Avoiding alcohol
- Weight and metabolic control
- Antiviral treatment in selected cases
- Management of cirrhosis complications
- Tumor screening
How we help
At the center, assessment of liver disease begins with a gastroenterology evaluation. If jaundice, a tumor, or bile duct obstruction is present, the interventional radiology team may also become involved.
When a procedure may be needed
A procedure may be required for biliary obstruction, fluid drainage, biopsy, local tumor treatment, or bleeding control.
Patient checklist
- Keep your liver test results for comparison over time
- Have your hepatitis markers checked
- Be open about alcohol and medication use
- Do not delay seeking care for jaundice or bleeding
FAQ
Is liver disease safe if it does not cause pain?
No. Many liver diseases remain asymptomatic for a long time.
Is fatty liver disease serious?
Yes. In some patients, it can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
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