How Serious Is A Fatty Liver? A Review By Doctors

Fatty Liver image

Expert opinion from Afra Abdussamad

MBBS · 3.5 years of experience · India

Simple alcoholic steatosis is rarely fatal. With complete abstinence, histologic changes generally return to normal within 2-4 weeks. Continued alcohol consumption may result in more advanced forms of liver disease, either alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Increased mortality and an increased cancer risk, particularly liver cancer has been noted in chronic alcoholic fatty liver patients. In patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), steatohepatitis may progress to cirrhosis, accompanied by complications that include variceal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy, and liver failure. The rate of formation of hepatocellular carcinoma appears to be the same as with other forms of liver disease. NAFLD also appears to be a strong and independent risk factor for prediabetes in the general adult population.

Expert opinion from Ipsa Arora

MD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience · USA

Fatty liver doesn’t necessarily cause any serious problems but can interfere with the normal functioning of the liver but in some cases the liver inflammation might get worse causing it to swell up and damage the surrounding tissues.

→ Learn more about fatty liver: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to fatty liver.

Expert opinion from Prerna More

MBBS, DGO, DFP. F.IVF · 9 years of experience · India

It may cause itching of the skin, discoloration, confusion, dizziness, and reduced appetite. It can lead to pedal edema. Liver disease may cause further complications.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.