Diseases of the liver, gall bladder and pancreas

In this chapter, liver diseases and those of the gall bladder and pancreas are discussed. The chapter begins with the common signs and symptoms of liver disease in general. This is followed by investigations employed in the diagnostic process. Liver diseases of dental interest discussed in this chapter include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), gallstones (cholelithiasis), cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Other topics discussed of dental interest are jaundice, ascites and hepatomegaly. Each disease entity starts with the definition or description followed by its causes, symptoms, signs, the investigations employed, and principles of management. Where relevant, oral and dental aspects of diseases of the liver, gall bladder and pancreas are also described.