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Liver Conditions Diagnosis and Treatment
Our hepatology team provides comprehensive tests and therapies for the full spectrum of liver disorders. We offer screening tests, comprehensive diagnosis, advanced medications and procedures for all stages and types of liver disease.
Diagnosing liver conditions
Our team provides the full range of liver tests to identify cirrhosis, liver cancer and hepatitis, including:
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Whenever possible, we use noninvasive tests to identify liver disease, including:
- Blood tests to measure liver function and identify causes of liver inflammation and damage.
- Liver elastography, a noninvasive test that measures hardening or stiffening of the liver using radiation-free, painless ultrasound imaging. We were the first in the Pacific Northwest to provide this type of test.
- MR elastography, which uses technology similar to an MRI. It measures the percentage of fat in the liver and the degree of fibrosis (scarring). This test is free of pain, IV contrast and radiation.
- Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to view the liver and blood vessels.
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Our team includes highly trained advanced endoscopists who identify liver problems with minimally invasive techniques. Using these methods, we can help diagnose various liver conditions, including liver mass lesions and cancer.
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We may recommend a liver biopsy if we need additional information about your liver health after noninvasive tests. During this test, we remove a small sample of liver tissue using a thin needle while providing anesthetic (pain medicine) to keep you comfortable. A biopsy can find the causes of liver inflammation and damage and determine the stage of liver disease.
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An early diagnosis of liver cancer often leads to better outcomes. Our team provides comprehensive screening for liver cancer in people with hepatitis B and cirrhosis. We may recommend a liver ultrasound, tumor marker blood tests and a liver MRI.
Treating liver conditions
Our multidisciplinary treatment plans provide personalized care that addresses your unique needs. Our treatment options include:
Expert care for alcohol use disorder and weight loss
Changes like weight loss and limiting alcohol can benefit many people with liver disease. These lifestyle changes are also an essential part of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) treatment and may reverse the condition. However, we understand these changes can be difficult to make. That’s why we offer:
- Counseling and medications to treat alcohol use disorder
- Education about liver conditions to empower you to take charge of your health
- Nutritional care from registered dietitians
- Weight loss options from our bariatric and weight management program
Medications for liver disease
Our specialists offer the newest medications that can prevent and even reverse liver fibrosis and damage for many people. We partner with the leading Benaroya Research Institute to offer clinical trials, which give you access to new medications before they’re widely available.
Liver surgery
Expert surgeons perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted and traditional surgery on the liver and bile ducts, as well as the gallbladder, pancreas and spleen. Our internationally recognized surgeons treat liver cancer, bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), liver cysts, benign liver tumors, bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) and other digestive health conditions with the highest level of precision. Learn more about our surgical services.
Liver cancer treatment
Our team of liver surgeons, interventional radiologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists and gastroenterologists review each case and create a personalized care plan. This multidisciplinary approach ensures each patient receives comprehensive treatment from a team of world-class specialists.
We want you to have a better quality of life during and after treatment. That’s why we provide the most effective therapies while working to minimize side effects. Learn more about how we care for liver cancer.
When you need a liver transplant
A liver transplant is an effective treatment for severe cases of liver disease and liver failure. If this surgery is an option, we refer you to a transplant specialist. Our team coordinates your care after transplant to support healing and ongoing liver health.
Find a specialist
Contact us to schedule an appointment with a liver disease specialist.