Hepatology Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Hepatology?

Hepatology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It focuses on the structure, functions, and diseases affecting these organs. Hepatologists are specialized physicians who have completed an advanced fellowship in this field.The liver is one of the most important organs in the body as it helps in digestion and metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. It also acts as a filter for toxins from food or medications which can potentially be dangerous to our health if left unchecked. In addition to this, it produces vital substances such as bile acids which are necessary for fat digestion as well as hormones and enzymes which help regulate metabolism. When any part of this organ system becomes diseased or dysfunctional it can cause serious health problems including jaundice (yellowing of the skin) due to bilirubin buildup; cirrhosis (scarring) due to excessive alcohol consumption; hepatitis (inflammation); cancer; fibrosis (formation of scar tissue); fatty liver disease; hemochromatosis (accumulation of iron) among many others. Hepatologists are specially trained to diagnose these conditions through imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scans as well through blood tests measuring levels of enzymes like ALT & AST which can indicate damage or inflammation within the liver itself. Once diagnosed they will work closely with other specialists such gastroenterologists or oncologists who may be involved depending on the specific condition in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically for each patient’s needs whether that includes lifestyle modifications like dietary changes or medical interventions like antiviral therapy for hepatitis infections or chemotherapy for certain types cancers related to hepatic dysfunction. In conclusion, hepatology is an important field focusing on conditions related specifically to our digestive organs including those involving our livers which are essential for overall health and wellbeing. A hepatologist should be consulted when any signs indicating potential issues arise so proper diagnosis and treatment can begin early before complications become too severe leading us down a path towards improved outcomes.