Liver Disease

Critical to managing liver disease and perhaps even regenerating new, healthy liver cells, is a healthy diet that supports healthy liver function. The Liver Transplant Program offers a nutritionist who has expertise in designing a diet for those with liver disease. However, if your liver is damaged to the point where regeneration is not an option, also known as end-stage liver disease, your doctor may recommend a transplant.

Our liver transplant team members are dedicated to supporting liver transplant patients, from their first steps in their journey toward transplantation, to managing their healthy organ for life.

Tumors in the liver may occur because of health conditions such as hepatitis, or they can be a result of problems in other organs. Sometimes, tumors such as colon cancer metastasize to the liver.

It is typically best for tumors in the liver to be removed, although sometimes we can determine that they are not harmful without operating. In these cases, we can observe them over time to make sure they are not causing further damage.

The MedStar Health Liver Tumor program is the only true multidisciplinary one of its kind in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and one of the most experienced anywhere. Patients who have a growth in the liver are evaluated by a team of medical liver specialists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, nurse coordinators and others as needed. The thorough evaluation by specialists in the field makes the difficult diagnosis of liver tumors optimal.

Many therapies are available for liver tumors; treatment will depend on the type of lesion and the patient’s condition. We will individualize your care based on these factors. Treatments such as microwave treatment, freezing, radiofrequency ablation, medications, chemoembolization, or surgical removal are all considered. After an evaluation in the office, our team consults together to determine the best therapy for you, then discusses the decision with you and your doctors. You then make the final decision to move forward with your team.

Depending on the size of the tumor, your surgeon will likely opt to remove the tumor and a portion of the liver. In other cases, your hepatologist and surgeon may recommend a liver transplant.

A variety of liver conditions can require surgery or a liver transplant in young children. At MedStar Health, we have world-class hepatologists who specialize in treating children.

Pediatric liver diseases we treat include:

Learn more about the Transplant Center for Children.