What Histological Features are Indicative of Liver Disease?
Several histological features can indicate liver disease, including:
- Inflammation: The presence of inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, suggests ongoing liver injury. - Fibrosis: The accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components indicates chronic liver damage and the potential for cirrhosis. - Steatosis: The presence of fat droplets within hepatocytes, known as fatty liver, is often associated with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). - Necrosis: The death of liver cells, or necrosis, can be seen in conditions like acute hepatitis. - Regenerative Nodules: In cirrhosis, the liver attempts to regenerate, leading to the formation of nodules surrounded by fibrous tissue.
