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What Causes Hardening Of Liver?

Posted on Mon, 16 Feb 2015

Question: During a gall bladder surgery 3 weeks ago, the surgeon found that my whole liver was hardened. Since I'm not a drinker, he said it could be some of the medications I take. He sent all the info to my primary Dr. He said my blood test was better than it was. He had his nurse call me to tell I don't have hepititus c. I asked her what I should do.. She said watch what I eat. Loose weight, exercise. And at my next scheduled appt. with my
Doctor he would do another blood test. I feel more needs to be done sooner. Is this not as serious as my Dr. Acts like? What should you do?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get Liver Function test done.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
See you probably have Fatty Liver.
Now following are the most common causes of Fatty Liver:
1. Alcoholic liver disease.
2. Hepatitis B and C.
3. Metabolic syndrome that is excessive weight, diabetes.
4. Drugs like Pain killers, steroids.
5. Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Now I would advise you to go for following tests:
1. Liver function test.
2. Ultrasound Abdomen.
3. Hepatitis B.
4. Lipid profile and Fasting blood sugar.

If your tests are within limits then you just need to control your cholesterol, reduce weight as your fatty liver is because of the only.
Also you need to discuss with your doctor about Atorvastatin as it can't be given if there is any liver Dysfunction.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (9 hours later)

Am I getting too excited over the liver problem. Do you feel my Dr. Says I can wait until April to see him?

Is my hardened liver life threatening?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Don't panic.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Fatty liver is a very common finding. If it has a cause like Hepatitis b and c behind it then it can be life threatening as it can cause liver cirrhosis.
If it is due to excessive overweight and if you have normal liver function tests then you just need to work out for weight loss.
You can see your GP for this. He will get you investigated.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar