Liver Diseases

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Last synced 8/15/2026Status: primary verified

Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many kinds of liver diseases: Diseases caused by viruses, such as hepatitis A , hepatitis B , and hepatitis C . Diseases caused by drugs, poisons, or too much alcohol. Examples include steatotic liver disease and cirrhosis . Liver cancer . Inherited diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson disease . Symptoms of liver disease can vary, but they often include swelling of the abdomen and legs, bruising easily, changes in the color of your stool and urine, and jaundice , or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Sometimes there are no symptoms. Tests such as imaging tests and liver function tests can check for liver damage and help to diagnose liver diseases.

Educational only

This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Always talk to a licensed U.S. clinician about your situation, medications, or treatment decisions.