Liver disease is more common than you might think. Unfortunately, many people don’t even know that they have liver disease until the disease has progressed into cirrhosis. For the most part liver problems go unnoticed because they don’t cause symptoms. Therefore, the goal of your gastroenterologist is to be able to provide patients with the necessary screening tools to be able to pinpoint problems such as liver disease early on when it’s manageable or even reversible.
What causes liver disease?
The liver is an incredibly important organ that is necessary for digesting food and removing toxins from the body. While some liver diseases are genetic, liver disease can also develop as a result of:
- Poor diet
- Heavy alcohol use
- Obesity
- Certain viral infections (e.g. hepatitis)
What is a FibroScan?
A FibroScan is a unique diagnostic tool that is designed specifically to detect the amount of scarring present in the liver through special ultrasound technology. A FibroScan is a quick, painless and non-invasive way to diagnose fatty liver and to measure the severity of scarring without needles or a biopsy.
Who should get a FibroScan?
If your gastroenterologist has diagnosed you with a chronic liver disease then a FibroScan may be recommended to assess the amount of fat deposits and scarring in the liver. Common types of chronic liver disease include:
- Hepatitis B & C
- Alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Wilson’s disease and other genetic disorders
- Cirrhosis
What does getting a FibroScan involve?
Before this scan you will want to avoid any food or drinks, besides water, for three hours prior to the procedure. This diagnostic test is completely non-invasive so you won’t require anesthesia or sedation. It only takes about five minutes to perform a FibroScan. During the procedure you will lie on your back where the technician will apply the ultrasound probe to the liver region. Results from the test are provided instantly.
What are my FibroScan results telling me?
A FibroScan uses a scoring system from F0-F4:
- F0-F1: little to no liver scarring
- F2: moderate liver scarring
- F3: severe scarring
- F4: Cirrhosis (advanced scarring)
If caught early enough, sometimes fibrosis (liver scarring) can be reversed through healthy lifestyle changes. Knowing your risk for liver disease can help prevent fibrosis in the long run. If you are concerned about your liver health your gastroenterologist can answer your questions and help you determine whether a FibroScan is right for you.