How a Gastroenterologist Diagnoses and Treats Liver Disease

At Premier Gastroenterology & Wellness in Katy, Texas, Dr. Kevin T. Marks, M.D., helps patients through the often-complicated process of diagnosing and managing liver disease. Serving not just Katy but also the Richmond and Cypress areas, Dr. Marks offers care that’s both thorough and practical. Liver disease doesn’t always make itself obvious in the early stages, and that’s why accurate diagnosis and steady, ongoing care make all the difference.

Getting To The Bottom Of Liver Symptoms

Some patients come in with clear signs of something wrong, such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and yellowing skin. Others find out through routine blood work that something may be off. Either way, Dr. Marks doesn’t rely on guesswork. Diagnosing liver disease starts with a careful review of medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors like alcohol use, diet, and medications.

Lab tests also play a key role. Liver function tests can show abnormal enzyme levels or markers that suggest inflammation or damage. Depending on the results, Dr. Marks may recommend imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to look closer at the liver’s size, structure, and blood flow. In some cases, a liver biopsy might be necessary to confirm a diagnosis, especially when conditions like steatotic liver disease or cirrhosis are in question.

Looking Beyond A Single Cause

Liver disease isn’t just one thing. It can come from viral infections like hepatitis B or C, long-term alcohol use, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, autoimmune conditions, or inherited disorders. Dr. Marks takes time to explain these possibilities without bombarding our Katy, Texas, patients with medical jargon. Understanding the cause of liver disease shapes what comes next.

What Treatment Involves

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing liver disease at Premier Gastroenterology & Wellness. For some, treatment focuses on lifestyle adjustments: improving diet, managing weight, avoiding alcohol, or controlling blood sugar levels. Others may need medications to reduce inflammation, fight infections, or manage complications like fluid retention or clotting issues.

Some cases require close monitoring rather than aggressive treatment, while others call for more active steps right away. Patients can expect clear, honest guidance about what’s necessary and what isn’t, always grounded in their individual situation.

Get Specialized Liver Care

For those dealing with liver disease or uncertain lab results, waiting around and hoping things improve isn’t good enough. Dr. Kevin T. Marks, M.D., provides practical, thorough liver disease diagnosis and treatment at Premier Gastroenterology & Wellness in Katy, Texas, serving patients from Richmond and Cypress as well. For an evaluation or help with management, call our office at (281) 392-0425.