A liver doctor is called a hepatologist. The term "hepatologist" combines "hepato," meaning liver, and "-ologist," indicating a specialist. Hepatologists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of liver diseases, as well as conditions affecting the gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
What Hepatologists Treat
Hepatologists handle a wide range of liver conditions, including:
- Acute and chronic liver diseases: This encompasses various conditions, from fatty liver disease to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Gallbladder and bile duct issues: These specialists address problems within these related organs.
- Pancreatic disorders: Certain pancreatic conditions also fall under a hepatologist's purview.
Other Doctors Involved in Liver Care
While hepatologists are the primary specialists for liver issues, other doctors may also be involved in diagnosis and treatment:
- Gastroenterologists: These doctors focus on the digestive system and often work alongside hepatologists in diagnosing and treating liver disease. There is overlap in the conditions they treat.
- Pediatric Gastroenterologists and Pediatric Transplant Hepatologists: These specialists handle liver problems specifically in children.
The choice of specialist often depends on the nature and complexity of the liver condition. For example, a patient with a complex liver disease requiring transplantation might consult with both a hepatologist and a transplant surgeon.
