Fatty liver is a common disorder where there is accumulation of excess fat in the liver. In people who drink little or no alcohol, this is called NAFLD or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. This condition is usually not serious, and the fat does not damage the liver.
However, a small group of people with NAFLD may develop a more serious condition called NASH or Non Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis. In this condition, the fat accumulation results in liver damage and scarring.
Over time, the liver may sustain substantial damage such that functioning liver cells are replaced by non functioning scar tissue, resulting in liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and cancer.
Fatty liver is common, and is present in 10-30% of people. NASH is uncommon, and present in only 2-5% of people with fatty liver, but increases up to 20% if a person is obese. The key is to identify the fatty liver patients who have NASH, as NASH patients will benefit from long term follow up and treatment to prevent cirrhosis and cancer.
This differentiation may not be easy, and usually requires a doctor's assessment. I usually encourage people to check with the doctor that made the diagnosis of fatty liver.
Sincerely,
