Liver Disease

At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our gastroenterology specialists diagnose and manage a wide range of liver conditions using advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatment. Care is tailored to the individual, with personalised treatment plans designed to support long-term liver health.

Liver disease is a broad term describing conditions that affect the structure and function of the liver. The liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins, producing bile to aid digestion, and regulating metabolism.

When the liver becomes damaged or inflamed, these processes may be disrupted.

Liver disease can arise from a variety of causes, including:

Infection

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Immune System Condition

Autoimmune hepatitis

Primary biliary cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Genetics

Haemochromatosis

Wilson's disease

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Cancer

Liver cancer

Bile duct cancer

Liver adenoma
In its early stages, liver disease may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, patients may experience:

Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, called jaundice. Yellowing of the skin might be harder to see on Black or brown skin

Belly pain and swelling

Swelling in the legs and ankles

Itchy skin

Dark urine

Pale stool

Constant tiredness

Nausea or vomiting

Loss of appetite

Bruising easily
Anyone can develop a liver condition, but the risks are heightened for people with certain lifestyles and existing medical conditions.

Risk factors include:

Lifestyle-related factors

Excess alcohol consumption

Being overweight or obese

Poor diet and low levels of physical activity

Medical conditions

Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance

High cholesterol and metabolic disorders

Viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C)

Autoimmune conditions

Medications and environmental factors

Long-term use of certain medications

Exposure to toxins or chemicals

Misuse of over-the-counter medicines

Genetic and other factors

Family history of liver disease

Inherited metabolic conditions

Increasing age

Occupational or environmental exposure risks
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, your diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation. Your specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant risk factors before recommending appropriate investigations.

At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, patients have access to advanced, on-site diagnostic facilities, which may include:

Blood tests to assess liver function

Imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to evaluate liver structure

Liver biopsy, where clinically appropriate, to confirm diagnosis

This comprehensive approach enables accurate diagnosis and informed treatment planning.

Your consultant may refer you to one or more of these tests, depending on your individual condition.
The treatment pathway depends on the underlying cause and stage of the condition. The focus is on managing the disease, slowing progression, and supporting overall liver function.

Treatment begins with identifying the cause of liver damage. Depending on your diagnosis, your specialist may recommend:

Targeted medications to treat specific conditions such as viral hepatitis or autoimmune liver disease

Therapies to control inflammation and slow disease progression

Medication to manage symptoms such as fatigue, itching, or fluid retention

Lifestyle changes include:

Medically guided weight management programmes

Advice on nutrition and alcohol reduction

Support to improve metabolic health (e.g. diabetes management)

These changes can significantly improve liver function and, in some cases, help reverse early disease.

Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan, developed to reflect their condition, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.
Mayo Clinic Healthcare offers access to internationally recognised expertise in gastroenterology and liver care, based in central London.

Patients benefit from:

A highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of gastroenterology specialists

A collaborative, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment

Advanced diagnostic technology and modern clinical facilities

Direct collaboration with Mayo Clinic in the United States

A central London location, accessible to both UK-based and international patients

Private health insurance

Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

Book your appointment

Our team is here to answer your questions, and provide personalised treatment options.

If you are experiencing symptoms of liver disease, or have been diagnosed and are awaiting treatment, you can book an appointment via our online consultation form or contact us on +442078712575.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr Sarmed Sami, Consultant Gastroenterologist