A thin tube called an endoscope is used to view various structures in and around the liver. In some cases, the only way to definitively diagnosis the presence of certain liver diseases is by a liver biopsy . This procedure involves the removal of a small piece of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. Liver biopsies may have to be done repeatedly to see how the disease is progressing or responding to treatment. Long- term effects depend on the type of liver disease present.
Some liver diseases are highly contagious and pose a risk to others.
For example, different forms of hepatitis are highly contagious through sexual contact or contamination of food and water. Other liver diseases are not contagious, such as biliary atresia. For example, treating hepatitis B , hepatitis C , and hepatitis D may involve the use of medications such as the antiviral medication alpha interferon. Other medications used to treat liver disease may include ribavirin, lamivudine, steroids, and antibiotics. To treat Wilson's disease , the healthcare provider may prescribe trientine or penicillamine.