There are many kinds of liver disease with a variety of different causes. Here are some that can occur.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, or MASLD, is caused by an excessive buildup of fat in the liver. This affects people who drink little to no alcohol. The former name of MASLD was nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, is an advanced type of MASLD in which the liver becomes inflamed (swollen). MASH used to be called NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Hepatitis A, B, and C are contagious viruses that can affect the liver temporarily or permanently. These viruses can be spread through contaminated food or water, unscreened blood transfusions, sexual contact, and exposure to blood/body fluids, as well as other ways..
Immune system abnormalities can lead to liver damage: The immune system protects the body from germs and toxins. When the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, it means there is an autoimmune liver disease present. Examples of autoimmune liver diseases include autoimmune hepatitis; primary biliary cholangitis (PBC); and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Genetic liver diseases are those caused by an abnormal gene inherited from one or both of your parents. Genetic liver diseases include hemochromatosis; Wilson's disease; and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Long-term alcohol use can cause liver damage or disease.
Primary liver cancer (also called hehatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) is a liver cancer that starts in the liver. It is most often caused by cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver due to long-term chronic (ongoing) hepatitis B or C, long-term overuse of alcohol, and MASH among other conditions.
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a type of cancer that can occur within or outside of the liver.
Liver adenoma is a rare, noncancerous liver tumor that can occur in some people who take high levels of estrogen.
Misuse or overuse of medications such as over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines, supplements and herbal compounds can lead to liver damage.

Medically reviewed on April 2025.

Last updated on June 6th, 2025 at 12:08 pm

What is Liver Disease?