i
Loading Page
loading, please wait

Filters

FILTERS

Clear All Filters

RATING

CONDITIONS / TREATMENTS

Search for Conditions/Treatments...

LANGUAGES

Search for Languages...

MEDICAL SCHOOLS

Search for Medical School...

PRACTICE AFFILIATIONS

Search for Practice Affiliations...

SPECIALTIES

SORT BY

Hepatologists - Alexandria, VA

We found 2 hepatologists in Alexandria, VA. See refinement options below.

Sort By
  • Default
  • Patient Rating
  • Distance

Related searches

You can further refine your search:

gastrointestinal endoscopy (2) , upper endoscopy with biopsy (2) , endoscopy (2) , anal fistula (1) , throat problems (1) , gastrointestinal bleeding (1) , polyps (1) , esophageal balloon dilation (1) , perianal abscess (1) , ablation (1) , gastrointestinal problems (1) , gallbladder problems (1) , skin issues (1) , esophagoscopy with lesion removal (1) , egd with esophageal dilation (1) , esophagoscopy with biopsy (1) , intravenous infusion (1)

in Nearby Locations

Washington, DC Fairfax, VA Chevy Chase, MD Manassas, VA Falls Church, VA Laurel, MD

Other Providers in Alexandria, VA

Clinical Pathologists Endodontists Family Therapists Gastroenterologists Health Psychologists Holistic Doctors & Alternative Medicine Doctors Nutritionists Optometrists Pediatric Otolaryngologists / Ear, Nose & Throat Doctors Psychologists Psychotherapists Respiratory Therapists Social Workers Speech Therapists Surgeons

What is Hepatology?

Hepatology is the study of the liver and its diseases. It is an emerging medical specialty, with most hepatologists currently being gastroenterologists who have completed a fellowship in hepatology or who have simply taken an interest in the liver. Gastroenterology is the specialty devoted to the digestive system and all of the digestive organs, including the liver as well as the stomach, esophagus, intestines, pancreas, and so on. Some illnesses are specific to the liver, and as our treatment and understanding of them advances, there is enough knowledge to make hepatology its own field.

A patient may be referred to a hepatologist for many conditions, including:

  • An overdose on drugs that are damaging to the liver
  • Blood tests suggesting liver damage
  • Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by a virus, toxin, or autoimmune disease
  • Cirrhosis, a type of scar tissue in the liver that is often caused by alcoholism
  • Hemochromatosis, a condition where your body absorbs too much iron, which damages the liver
  • Follow-up care after a liver transplant

Outcomes for liver patients tend to be better with a hepatologist than a gastroenterologist. However, hepatologists can be difficult to find outside of larger cities. This may change in the future as more patients seek the specialized care that hepatologists can provide.