Georgia residents who feel ill and don’t know the cause will likely trust a physician’s ability to diagnose the problem. The situation can quickly decline for the patient if their physician is unable to deliver a proper diagnosis. When the diagnosis is cirrhosis of the liver, a quick and accurate diagnosis is essential to minimize the damage potential to one of the body’s most vital organs.
What is liver cirrhosis?
Patients with cirrhosis of the liver develop scar tissue that limits the organ’s functionality. This scar tissue, commonly referred to as fibrosis, is often the product of liver disease or lifestyle factors.
Diagnosis
Early stages of liver cirrhosis often produce no warning of its existence. This fact sets the stage for conflicts regarding late diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and medical malpractice lawsuits.
Patients may begin to notice a yellow tint to their skin or observe that they bruise easier than in the past. Patients should notify their physician immediately if they experience these symptoms. But many times, the discovery of liver cirrhosis happens during routine health checks and blood tests.
Examination process
Doctors who suspect a patient suffers from liver cirrhosis will examine them for signs of the disease. These signs include:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Liver size
- Additional breast tissue
- Eyes or skin appear yellow
A doctor will likely order a blood test if other signs of cirrhosis become apparent. These tests will provide clear evidence of liver cirrhosis if the condition exists with the patient. Blood tests will also provide doctors with information regarding the original cause of the patient’s liver problems.
Patients who turn to doctors and other health professionals when they are not feeling well often do so with complete trust in their minds and hearts. When doctors prove unable to live up to this trust, bad things can happen to their patients. Individuals who suffer injuries that result from a doctor’s error may benefit from speaking with a medical malpractice attorney.