What term describes the yellow discoloration of the skin that indicates liver disease or bile obstruction?

Jaundice is the term that describes the yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera (the whites of the eyes) that occurs when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. This condition typically indicates underlying issues such as liver disease or bile obstruction. When the liver is not functioning properly, it may fail to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its buildup in the bloodstream. The yellow coloration is an unmistakable sign that prompts further investigation into the patient's liver function and overall health.

Cholecystitis, on the other hand, refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, which can cause abdominal pain but isn’t directly characterized by jaundice. Cirrhosis is a late-stage scarring of the liver often resulting from chronic liver disease, and while jaundice can occur in this condition, cirrhosis itself does not specifically describe the yellow discoloration. Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, which can also lead to jaundice but does not itself describe the discoloration. Hence, the most accurate term for the yellow discoloration linked to liver dysfunction is jaundice.