Hemochromatosis Diagnosed and Treated by Top Doctors at Mercy
At The Center for Liver and Hepatobiliary Diseases at Mercy in Baltimore, our liver experts focus on the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. Patients from across the Mid-Atlantic region seek the expertise of our doctors for their innovative treatment options.
Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron. The excess iron builds up in the blood, liver, heart, pancreas, joints, skin, and other organs.
Hemochromatosis most commonly is inherited, known as hereditary hemochromatosis. Requiring treatment throughout a person’s life, hereditary hemochromatosis is a pre-cancerous condition that requires cancer screening.
Hemochromatosis also may develop due to having too many blood transfusions, certain blood disorders, or chronic liver disease. This kind of hemochromatosis is called secondary or acquired hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis symptoms generally develop between the ages of 40 and 60. Symptoms of hemochromatosis include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Excess urination
- Weight loss
Since these symptoms of hemochromatosis can be the same as other liver diseases, hemochromatosis can be hard to diagnose. Tests that can help detect hemochromatosis include:
- Blood tests
- Gene mutation tests
- Liver biopsies
Hemochromatosis is treated by removing excess iron from the blood. This removal of excess iron from the blood caused by hemochromatosis can be accomplished either by:
- Removing blood from the body
- Taking medication that binds to and removes iron from the body