Early Detection of Liver Disease: How Regular Screening Can Save Lives

The liver is responsible for several key functions, including filtering and cleaning the blood, aiding protein production, and metabolizing various nutrients. Liver disease interferes with the liver’s ability to carry out these functions, which can be life-threatening. Regular screenings for the disease lead to early detection when it is easiest to treat. Dr. Kevin Marks, the board-certified gastroenterologist at Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX, performs liver disease screenings.

Causes of Liver Disease

Liver disease can develop as a result of several factors, including:

• Obesity
• Excessive iron intake
• Excessive alcohol use
• Taking acetaminophen in excess
• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Malnutrition
• Heredity

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease

The liver can continue functioning properly even if a small portion of it is damaged or diseased. However, the liver cannot function as it should if more than three-quarters is affected by disease. This is why it is important to detect liver disease before it progresses. Several symptoms can occur when the liver is not functioning correctly. Schedule a liver disease screening if you develop one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Swollen abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mental confusion or disorientation
• Loss of appetite
• Sleepiness
• Jaundice
• Diarrhea

Screening and Early Detection

Screening for liver disease regularly saves lives by leading to early detection when the disease is more treatable. As the disease progresses, it becomes both life-threatening and more difficult to treat. Liver disease screening can involve blood tests, liver biopsy, and various imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan. We offer screening for liver disease at our gastroenterology office in Katy, TX.

Liver Disease Treatment

The type of treatment needed for liver disease depends on several factors, such as the cause and severity of the disease. For some patients, treatment could include making various lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, consuming a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Treatment could also include medications, especially if the liver disease is due to an underlying condition, such as hepatitis. Finally, some individuals might require surgery. In the most serious cases, a liver transplant might be needed.

If you have developed signs or symptoms of liver disease or have a family history of the disease, see a doctor for screening. When caught and treated early, liver disease can be reversed. Call Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX, at (281) 392-0425 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marks to be screened for liver disease.