If you need treatment for liver disease, you may want to have an initial consultation with a gastroenterologist.
gastroenterologist = doctor who treats the entire digestive system
Your gastroenterologist may suggest consulting a hepatologist.
Hepatologist = Gastroenterologist who focuses on liver problems
Some of the disorders that liver specialists treat include:
- cirrhosis
- hepatitis
- liver cancer
- liver failure
- Steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction (SADM), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Your liver specialist may perform several tests to determine what is going on in your liver. These include:
- Blood tests, including tests to check enzymes and liver function
- Blood tests to detect viral infections, such as hepatitis
- Ultrasound or other imaging tests
- liver biopsy
Even if you get blood tests to evaluate your liver, your doctor may suggest additional tests to look for conditions such as cirrhosis.
How do I know which doctor to go to?
Start with your doctor. If necessary, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or liver specialist.
The earlier liver disease is detected, the higher the chance of a good clinical outcome.
This training material was prepared with support from Merck.
