All Information about Liver Cancer

The primary function of your liver in your body is to regulate your metabolism. Without the liver, you will not be able to metabolize your intake of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It accomplishes this function by working closely with your other systems such as you lymphatic system, circulatory system, as and endocrine system. In order for your liver to metabolize the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in your body, it must be healthy and free of any diseases.

Bile Production

Your liver produces and secretes a product called bile. This is what makes it possible for your liver to metabolize your intake of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This fluid is a very important presence in your body due to the fact that it aids in the elimination of contaminants in your body, such as drugs. The bile system is also responsible for re-circulating your red blood cells.

Failure to Produce Bile

It is possible for a type of liver disease to cause the liver to stop the secretion of bile. When this happens, the liver loses the capability to metabolize the fats, carbohydrate, and proteins.

The only way fats can be absorbed into your blood system is if bile is present. This is why it would be impossible for your body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins without bile. These vitamins, such as vitamins A, K, D, and E, are essential for your liver to function properly. Without bile present in your system, your body will not be able to absorb and metabolize these vitamins.

Red Blood Cell System

Another important function the liver performs is that it cleanses your body from the damaged, or old, red blood cells. The liver will also store iron in your body, as well as breakdown hemoglobin. This is the reason why many people who suffer from liver disease may suffer from anemia. Along with the spleen, the liver stores blood. Therefore, in case of blood loss severe enough to threaten your life, the liver will expel its stored blood to replace the lost blood in your bloodstream.

Alcoholic liver disease occurs due to an acute or chronic inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse. This disease usually occurs after a prolonged use of alcohol. In the United States 10% of men and 3% of women suffer from problems related to alcoholic consumption.

The occurrence of the disease depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the duration it is consumed in. The greater the duration and greater the amount leads to a greater chance for liver disease to occur.

Other factors include the toxicity of ethanol to the liver, susceptibility to the disease, and genetic factors. Studies have shown that women may be more susceptible than men. The disease starts as inflammation (hepatitis) and progresses to fatty liver and cirrhosis. Alcoholism generally leads to three pathologically different liver diseases. They are the fatty liver ( Steatosis), hepatitis and cirrhosis.

The disease will not show any symptoms until it advances. Complications that arise are alcoholic encephalopathy and portal hypertension.

The symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, fever, ascites,weight gain, mental confusion, excessive thirst, dry mouth and fatigue.

Other symptoms are vomiting blood, bloody bowel movements, paleness, fainting, lethargic movement, fluctuating mood, impaired judgement and confusion.

Liver function tests and liver biopsy are the common tests done to detect the disease. Treatment includes the discontinuation of alcoholic use, providing high calorie, high carbohydrate diet to break down the protein present in the patient’s body. Counseling and rehabilitaion may prove necessary for the patients.

Liver transplants become necessary if the situation advances to cirrhosis. Once the patient becomes medically stable, there is a need to abstain from drinking. Although stopping drinking may result in the reversal of fatty liver and hepatitis, liver cirrhosis may continue, but progressive liver deterioration can be checked.