A gastroenterologist checks your liver through a liver biopsy, blood tests, imaging tests such as a CT scan and or MRI.
The blood test is done to check the liver enzymes and the liver function.
A liver biopsy is sometimes done as well to examine the tissue samples.
Liver function tests measure the levels of certain substances such as bilirubin and liver enzymes in the blood which can indicate liver damage or liver disease.
An ultrasound may also be done to check the liver and uses sound waves to create images of your liver and help to identify any abnormalities such as scarring, cysts and tumors.
A CT scan uses X rays to create detailed images of your liver and allows the doctor or gastroenterologist to perform a more comprehensive assessment of the livers structure and any abnormalities.
An MRI uses magnetic fields and also radio waves which create detailed images of your liver and offer the gastroenterologist or doctor a different perspective when compared to CT scans.
A liver biopsy involves the taking of a small sample of your liver tissue for examination under a microscope and provides the gastroenterologist with the most detailed information about your livers health and the nature of the liver disease.
The early signs of liver problems are.
Skin and eyes which appear yellowish (jaundice)
Abdominal pain and swelling.
Swelling in the legs and ankles.
Itchy skin.
Dark urine color.
Pale stool color.
Chronic fatigue.
Nausea or vomiting.
The part of the body that itches when you have liver problems are the limbs, the soles of your feet, or the palms of your hands.
In some cases you may itch all over your body when you have liver problems.
Liver damage can sometimes be reversed if the liver is not severely damaged.
Minor liver damage that begins such as from alcohol consumption can sometimes be reversed.
But severe liver damage cannot be reversed and the only cure for severe liver damage is to have a liver transplant.
When you have liver disease your nails will usually be mostly white in color or have darker rims.
With liver disease your nails such as your fingernails may also look like Jaundice color.
Your liver can and does affect your nails.
When you have liver problems your nails color may change which can be an indicator of liver disease.
If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis.
If your nails have a Jaundice look to them that can also be a sign and indicator of liver disease.