The liver

Cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue over time.

This scarring process impairs the liver's ability to function properly and can ultimately lead to liver failure. Cirrhosis is often the result of long-term damage caused by various factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.

Symptoms of cirrhosis can be mild or severe, depending on the extent of liver damage, and may include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and swelling of the legs and abdomen.

Liver tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The two main types of liver cancer are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma.

HCC is the most common form of liver cancer, originating in liver cells (hepatocytes). Cholangiocarcinoma, on the other hand, begins in the bile ducts inside the liver.

Risk factors for developing liver cancer include cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C infection, and excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms may include weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, and loss of appetite.

Early detection and treatment are essential to improve outcomes and survival rates for liver cancer patients.

Steatosis, also known as fatty liver, is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in liver cells. There are two main types of fatty liver disease: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD is more common and often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.

In contrast, alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Mild steatosis often does not cause noticeable symptoms and can be reversed through lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, eating a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol consumption.

However, if left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to more serious liver conditions, including cirrhosis and liver failure.

Acute liver failure is a rare but potentially fatal condition in which the liver suddenly loses its ability to function, often as a result of injury or poisoning.

Common causes include medication overdoses (e.g., paracetamol), viral hepatitis, and toxic exposure. Symptoms may include jaundice, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and bleeding.

Acute liver failure requires immediate medical attention because it can quickly progress to serious complications, such as kidney failure, brain swelling, and sepsis (a widespread infection).

In some cases, a liver transplant may be the only option to save the patient's life.