Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis -- one of the most common genetic diseases in the United States -- involves an imbalance in the absorption, use and storage of iron in the body. As a result, iron is absorbed in excess and accumulates in a variety of tissues, particularly the liver. This leads to inflammation of the liver that over many years can progress to a variety of diseases, including enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure.

Experts at UCSF Medical Center offer the most advanced diagnostic and treatment procedures for hemochromatosis. If the condition progresses, resulting in severe liver damage or liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary. The UCSF Liver Transplant Program, which integrates the efforts of gastroenterologists and surgeons, performs over 100 transplants each year, making it one of the leading programs in the U.S. Survival statistics are among the very best in the country.

For information or to make an appointment, please call:
Liver Clinic at (415) 353-2318

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007