Hepatologists specialize in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. Hepatitis and complications related to alcoholic liver disease are the most common reasons for seeking specialist advice. In cases of suspected liver disease, liver biopsy may be performed to determine what, if any, liver damage may be present.
The hepatitis C virus is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. While no vaccination against it is available, the symptoms of infection can be medically managed. Some patients can be cleared of the virus through a long course of intensive anti-viral treatment. Hepatitis A and B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent infection from that virus.