Hepatologists are board certified gastroenterologists who have chosen to focus much of their research and study on liver disease in addition to pancreas, gallbladder and biliary tree functioning. Individuals suffering from various forms of hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease and cancer of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder seek hepatologists for diagnosis and treatment.
To earn the title of hepatologist, an individual must receive excellent grades during the first four years of college, enroll in and be accepted by a medical school, participate in a three-year residency program and finally work in a three-year fellowship program. Hepatologists generally take extra classes as a resident if he or she plans on specializing in liver illnesses. They will also engage in more hands-on training involving liver-related medical conditions.
Some liver problems that hepatologists treat are:
-Hepatitis A, B and C
-Cirrhosis of the liver
-Jaundice
-Hemochromatosis
-Focal nodular hyperplasia
-Biliary cancer and cirrhosis
Hepatitis (H) is one of the most common liver diseases afflicting millions of people worldwide each year. Basically an inflammation of liver cells, this condition is caused by five different viruses--A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis X and G exist as well but are mild forms not attributable to a viral infection.
Description of Hepatitis Types
HA in contracted by drinking contaminated water, consuming infected food or engaging in oral to anal sex. It does not create a chronic condition and the majority of people diagnosed with HA make a full recovery.
HB is a sexually transmitted disease spread from person to person by contact with body fluids. Mothers who have undiagnosed HB may inadvertently pass the disease to infants through breast milk. A hepatologist detects this disease by administering blood tests and inspecting the liver for abnormal enlargement. Serious liver damage will occur if HB is not promptly treated.
HC can only be transmitted through infected blood. Individuals already suffering from cirrhosis of the liver are at an increased risk for developing cancer as well.
HD afflicts those who are already infected with HB. Mode of transmission is through exchange of body fluids, infected needles and unprotected sex.
HE is a mild form transmitted by drinking infected water and possibly oral-anal sex. Hepatologists can easily treat HE with antiviral drugs.
Symptoms such as appetite loss, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, fever, nausea, weight loss or vague stomach pains, need the attention of a qualified hepatologist in Minnesota to determine whether a specific liver, pancreas or gallbladder disease exists.
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