What Is?

What is Hepatitis?

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver cells and damage to the liver. There are different types and causes, but the symptoms can be similar. The liver’s functions include detoxifying the blood, storing vitamins, and producing hormones. Hepatitis can disrupt these processes and create severe health problems throughout the body. At…

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What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia definition and facts Gynecomastia is enlargement of the glandular tissue of the male breast. The condition may occur during infancy and puberty in normally developing boys. Gynecomastia results from an imbalance in the hormonal environment in the body, with a relative excess of estrogens (female hormones) when compared to androgens (male hormones). The causes…

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What Is Primary biliary cholangitis?

Primary biliary cholangitis Bile duct damage Primary biliary cholangitis, previously called primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic disease in which the bile ducts in your liver are slowly destroyed. Bile is a fluid made in your liver. It aids with digestion and helps your body get rid of cholesterol, toxins and worn-out red blood cells.…

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What is Fatty Liver?

Fatty Liver (Hepatic Steatosis) Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, is a term that describes the buildup of fat in the liver. It’s normal to have small amounts of fat in your liver, but too much can become a health problem. The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It’s responsible for a wide…

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Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Similarities and Differences

Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Similarities and Differences What is the Difference Between Hepatitis and Cirrhosis? By Naheed Ali, MD Updated July 09, 2017    What is the difference between hepatitis and cirrhosis?. Tara Moore/Cultura/Getty What are the differences between hepatitis and cirrhosis? How are the symptoms of the two diseases, the causes, and the treatments different and…

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What Is Hepatitis C Viral Load?

If you’re being treated for hepatitis C virus infection — also called HCV– your doctor is keeping track of your viral load. What is HCV viral load? Why does it matter? WebMD got answers to your most frequently asked questions about hepatitis C and viral load from two experts: Frank Anania, MD, associate professor of…

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What is Polycystic Liver Disease? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

In this article What Causes Polycystic Liver Disease? What Are the Symptoms of Polycystic Liver Disease? How Is Polycystic Liver Disease Diagnosed? How Is Polycystic Liver Disease Treated? Can Polycystic Liver Disease Be Prevented? Polycystic liver disease (PLD or PCLD) is a rare condition that causes cysts — fluid-filled sacs — to grow throughout the…

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What is hepatocellular carcinoma?

What is hepatocellular carcinoma? Hepatocellular carcinoma, also sometimes called hepatoma, is a form of cancer that begins primarily in the liver. It is the most common form of liver cancer, representing about 12,000 cases in the United States annually and 80% of all forms of liver cancers. The cancer is more common in men, African-Americans,…

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What is Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis Definition Definition Alcoholic hepatitis describes liver inflammation caused by drinking alcohol. Though alcoholic hepatitis is most likely to occur in people who drink heavily over many years, the relationship between drinking and alcoholic hepatitis is complex. Not all heavy drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis, and the disease can occur in people who drink only…

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What is hereditary hemochromatosis?

What is hereditary hemochromatosis? Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body (iron overload). It is a common genetic disorder among Caucasians in the United States, affecting approximately one in 240 to 300 Caucasians. Individuals affected with hereditary hemochromatosis may have no symptoms or signs…

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