The Human Liver: Anatomy, Physiology, Disorders & Treatment Guide

1. Introduction

• The liver is the largest internal organ, essential for metabolism, detoxification, digestion, and immunity.
• It processes nutrients, produces bile, stores energy, and filters toxins.
• Common liver disorders include fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer.

2. Anatomy of the Liver

• Location: Upper right abdomen, beneath the diaphragm.
• Structure:
  • Right & Left Lobes: Largest sections of the liver.
  • Hepatic Artery & Portal Vein: Supply blood to the liver.
  • Biliary System: Produces and transports bile to aid digestion.
• Liver Cells (Hepatocytes): Perform metabolic and detoxification functions.

3. Physiology of the Liver

• Metabolism:
  • Processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy.
  • Converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
• Detoxification:
  • Neutralizes alcohol, drugs, and toxins.
• Bile Production:
  • Helps digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
• Blood Filtration:
  • Removes waste, hormones, and damaged cells.
• Protein Synthesis:
  • Produces albumin (maintains blood volume) and clotting factors.

4. Common Disorders & Pathophysiology

A. Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Steatosis)

• Cause: Excess fat accumulation in liver cells.
• Types:
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Linked to obesity, diabetes.
  • Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Due to excessive alcohol consumption.

B. Hepatitis (Liver Inflammation)

• Cause: Viral infection, alcohol, autoimmune disease.
• Types:
  • Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E: Viral infections affecting liver function.
  • Autoimmune Hepatitis: Body’s immune system attacks liver cells.

C. Liver Cirrhosis (Scarring of the Liver)

• Cause: Chronic liver disease (hepatitis, alcohol abuse, NAFLD).
• Symptoms: Jaundice, swelling, confusion, easy bruising.

D. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC)

• Cause: Chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, aflatoxin exposure.
• Risk Factors: Alcohol, obesity, hepatitis B/C.

E. Liver Failure (Acute & Chronic)

• Cause: Severe liver damage leading to loss of function.
• Risk Factors: Overdose (acetaminophen), viral infections, liver disease.

5. Signs & Symptoms of Liver Disorders

• Early Symptoms:
  • Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite.
  • Mild abdominal pain in the upper right side.
• Advanced Symptoms:
  • Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin/Eyes).
  • Swelling in Legs & Abdomen (Ascites).
  • Dark Urine & Pale Stools.
  • Easy Bruising & Bleeding.
• Red Flags:
  • Severe confusion (Hepatic Encephalopathy).
  • Sudden, severe swelling or bleeding.

6. When to See a Doctor

• Persistent abdominal pain or swelling.
• Unexplained jaundice.
• Fatigue, nausea, or weight loss lasting more than 2 weeks.

7. Emergency Signs Requiring Immediate Care

• Vomiting blood (esophageal varices rupture).
• Severe confusion or drowsiness.
• Intense abdominal swelling with pain.

8. Diagnostic Process

• Clinical Examination: Check for liver enlargement, jaundice, swelling.
• Laboratory Tests:
  • Liver Function Tests (LFTs): ALT, AST, Bilirubin, ALP.
  • Viral Markers: Detects Hepatitis B, C, A.
  • Albumin & Clotting Factors: Assesses liver function.
• Imaging Tests:
  • Ultrasound: Detects fatty liver, cirrhosis.
  • CT Scan / MRI: Identifies liver tumors, damage.
  • Fibroscan (Elastography): Measures liver stiffness.
• Specialist Procedures:
  • Liver Biopsy: Confirms liver disease severity.

9. Likely Diagnoses

• Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD, AFLD).
• Hepatitis (A, B, C, Autoimmune).
• Liver Cirrhosis.
• Liver Cancer (HCC).
• Liver Failure.

10. Treatment Options

A. Medications

• For Hepatitis B & C:
  • Antivirals (Tenofovir, Entecavir, Sofosbuvir).
• For Cirrhosis Management:
  • Diuretics (Spironolactone, Furosemide) for fluid buildup.
  • Lactulose for Hepatic Encephalopathy.
• For Liver Cancer:
  • Targeted Therapy (Sorafenib, Lenvatinib).
• Approximate Medication Costs (USD):
  • Antivirals for Hepatitis: $100–$1,000/month.
  • Diuretics: $10–$50/month.
  • Cancer Therapy: $2,000–$5,000 per treatment cycle.

B. Surgical/Procedural Interventions

• Liver Transplant (For End-Stage Liver Disease) ($150,000–$500,000).
• Tumor Resection (For Liver Cancer) ($20,000–$100,000).
• Endoscopic Band Ligation (For Varices) ($5,000–$15,000).

C. Lifestyle Modifications & Home Remedies

• For Fatty Liver:
  • Weight loss, low-carb diet, avoid alcohol.
• For Liver Cirrhosis:
  • Limit salt, avoid NSAIDs, get vaccinated.
• For General Liver Health:
  • Drink plenty of water, eat antioxidant-rich foods.

11. Precautions & Prevention

• Avoid Excess Alcohol Consumption.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight & Diet.
• Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B.
• Use Medications Cautiously (Avoid Overuse of Painkillers).

12. Prognosis & Recovery

• Fatty Liver Disease: Reversible with diet & lifestyle changes.
• Hepatitis: Treatable with antivirals, full recovery possible.
• Cirrhosis: Progressive but manageable with care.
• Liver Transplant: Can provide long-term survival.

13. Cost of Treatment

• Liver Function Test (LFTs): $50–$200.
• Hepatitis B & C Treatment: $500–$3,000 per month.
• Liver Transplant: $150,000–$500,000.

14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can liver damage be reversed? – Fatty liver & early-stage cirrhosis can be reversed, but severe damage is permanent.
2. What are the best foods for liver health? – Leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, coffee (reduces liver inflammation).
3. Can you live with only one liver lobe? – Yes, the liver regenerates and can function with a reduced portion.
4. What are the warning signs of liver failure? – Jaundice, confusion, vomiting blood, severe swelling.
5. Does alcohol always cause liver disease? – No, but excessive intake increases the risk of cirrhosis.
6. How can I detox my liver naturally? – Reduce alcohol, avoid processed foods, increase hydration.
7. Is liver cancer curable? – Early-stage cancer has better survival with treatment.