Liver biopsy

A liver biopsy removes small pieces of tissue from your liver using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).

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Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver caused by a range of liver diseases and conditions. Find out more about what it is, its symptoms and treatment options.

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Fatty liver

Fatty liver is common, particularly in people with diabetes and who are overweight. Although it might not cause any symptoms, it can lead to significant health problems. Making changes to your lifestyle is key to preventing and improving the condition.

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Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an illness that inflames and damages a person's liver. Here's what you need to know about the types, causes and symptoms of hepatitis.

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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious liver disease in an infected person. The hepatitis C virus is usually transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the bloodstream of another person.

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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage over time. If it turns out you have hepatitis B, it is important to protect others from infection. Find out how.

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Jaundice in adults

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It can affect newborns; however, this information is about jaundice in adults, its associated symptoms, underlying causes and treatment options.

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Liver cancer

Liver cancer is one of the top 10 causes of cancer deaths in Australia. Learn more here about liver cancer and the different types and treatments.

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Liver function tests

Liver function tests are blood tests that can provide information about how your liver is working.

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Medicines and alcohol

Some medicines and alcohol don't mix, including over-the-counter ones. Learn about possible complications such as breathing problems and liver damage.

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an illness that causes inflmmation to your liver. Hepatitis A usually doesn't cause long-term damage like other types of hepatitis can.

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Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a common, inherited genetic condition that can cause chronic lung and liver disease. Treatment can slow down the progress of the disease. Learn more here.

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Digestive system cancers

Information about digestive system cancers from leading Australian health organisations.

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Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. It can be very painful and usually needs prompt treatment. Learn more here.

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Encephalopathy

An encephalopathy refers to any disturbance of the brain's functioning that leads to problems like confusion and memory loss. Read more here.

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Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to organ damage. Blood tests will diagnose it, and treatments are available.

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Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, and is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is performed.

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What you need to know about acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children

Learn more about acute hepatitis with no known cause that’s affecting children under the age of 16.

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Paracetamol

You can take paracetamol for mild to moderate pain. Here’s some information on how paracetamol works, when you should not take it and possible side effects.

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Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the healthy functioning of our bodies but if you have a balanced diet, most can be found in the foods we eat.

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Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. Find out more about peritonitis.

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Organ transplants

Organ transplantation involves removing an organ from a donor and transplanting it into someone who may be very ill or dying. Find out what's involved here.

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Vitamin D test

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Australians, so your doctor may ask you to take a test as part of your general check up.

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Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet. Learn more about healthy carbohydrates and the glycaemic index (GI).

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Needlestick injuries

If skin is punctured by a sharp medical tool like a scalpel or needle on a syringe, it is called a ‘needlestick injury’. Here's information about needlestick injuries from healthdirect and their partners.

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How to lower your cholesterol

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, but lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can lower your levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

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Alcohol - an overview

Alcohol is a legal but mood-changing drug. Read more about alcohol’s effects on the body, about safe drinking, ‘standard drinks’ and more.

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Gallstones

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are hard, pebble-like masses that are produced from bile in the gallbladder, that can result in symptoms such as pain, fever or jaundice. Here is information on gallstone symptoms, treatment and causes.

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Cholecystectomy and exploration of the bile duct

Gallstones can move into your common bile duct. An operation to remove your gallbladder and any stones in your common bile duct should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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Foods high in vitamin B

Vitamin B helps your body function better, and plays a vital role in your body’s cellular processes. Each type of vitamin B has a different but critical role in keeping you healthy — find out what foods are high in vitamin B here.

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