Cirrhosis: Scarring of the Liver, Its Effects and Treatment

What it is

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Scar tissue forms after injury or long-term disease, and it can't do the work of healthy liver tissue:

• making protein;
• helping fight infections;
• cleaning the blood;
• helping digest food;
• storing energy.

What it can lead to

• easy bruising or bleeding, or nosebleeds;
• swelling of the abdomen or legs;
• extra sensitivity to medicines;
• high blood pressure in the vein entering the liver;
• varices — enlarged veins in the esophagus and stomach, which can bleed suddenly;
• kidney failure;
• jaundice;
• severe itching;
• gallstones.

A small number of people with cirrhosis develop liver cancer.

Causes and diagnosis

Cirrhosis has many causes. In the United States, the most common are chronic alcoholism and hepatitis. Doctors diagnose it with blood tests, imaging tests or a biopsy.

Treatment

• Nothing will make the scar tissue disappear — but treating the cause can keep it from getting worse.
• If too much scar tissue forms, a liver transplant may need to be considered.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Cirrhosis," National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; a work of the United States government in the public domain.