Fatty Liver To Cancer: 5 Serious Liver Diseases Alcohol Can Trigger

By Dr. Amit Miglani

World Liver Day: The liver, often called the body’s silent protector, performs over 500 essential functions, including digestion, detoxification, and supporting the immune system. It even fights alcohol, as the first organ to break it down to flush it out of the body. However, when alcohol consumption is excessive, this process starts damaging liver cells. The earliest stage involves fat accumulation in the liver, a condition known as Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD).

And what starts as fatty liver, can escalate to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver cancer.

Alcohol And The Liver: How It Begins

Prolonged alcohol use causes permanent damage to the liver. If not controlled in time, it can lead to serious conditions like cirrhosis and cancer.

Cases of liver-related diseases are rising rapidly in India, with alcohol abuse and unhealthy lifestyles being the major reasons. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver diseases claim millions of lives annually, a significant portion being young adults.

Major Effects Of Alcohol On The Liver

1. Fatty Liver Disease

This is the first stage of liver damage, due to fat buildup. Fatty liver is often symptomless but weakens the liver over time. The condition is reversible if alcohol is stopped in time.

2. Alcoholic Hepatitis

This is inflammation of the liver due to heavy drinking. The condition may cause fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, and vomiting — can be life-threatening in severe cases.

3. Liver Cirrhosis

A cirrhosis is permanent scarring of liver tissue, replacing healthy cells. The liver fails to perform essential functions like detoxification and protein production. This is an irreversible damage with a high risk of liver failure.

4. Liver Cancer

Chronic alcohol use and cirrhosis increase the risk of liver cancer. Alcohol is a major contributor to liver cancer cases in India.

5. Liver Failure

When the liver completely stops functioning. This is a medical emergency with high fatality risk.

Symptoms Of Liver Problems To Watch Out For

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Persistent fever
  • Abdominal lump or swelling
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention Is The Best Cure

  • Avoid alcohol or limit consumption
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet (low fat, low sugar)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get liver function tests done regularly
  • Consult a doctor periodically for checkups

Dr. Amit Miglani is Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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