A generic term that covers a variety of pathologic states of the liver.
The liver may be extensively diseased without any obviously serious symptoms, unless the circulation through it is impeded, the outflow of bile obstructed, or neighbouring organs involved. Jaundice is a symptom of several liver disorders, and is discussed under its separate heading. Ascites, which may be caused by interference with the circulation through the portal vein of the liver, as well as by other reasons, is also considered separately. The presence of gall-stones is a complication of some diseases connected with the liver, and is treated under gall-bladder, diseases of. For hydatid cyst of the liver. Liver diseases in a tropical environment are dealt with later in this section.