Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Scar tissue, which forms because of chronic injury or inflammation, replaces healthy liver tissue and blocks the normal flow of blood through the liver. A liver with too much scar tissue cannot work properly but early treatment can control symptoms and keep cirrhosis from getting worse.
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Cirrhosis of the Liver
Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.
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What is it?
Symptoms
Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Abnormal blood vessels on skin (spider angiomata)
- Breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Jaundice
- Palm redness
When to see a doctor
If you have symptoms consistent with cirrhosis of the liver, see a doctor for a thorough exam and consultation. Early treatment can control symptoms and prevent your condition from worsening.
Causes and risk factors
Risk factors for developing cirrhosis of the liver include:
- Heavy alcohol use
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Some drugs, medicines, and harmful chemicals
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Other chronic conditions, such as autoimmune hepatitis, diseases that damage or destroy bile ducts, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, and porphyria
Treatment options
Treatment options will vary and are dependent on the cause of the cirrhosis.
Testing
Speak with your care provider for testing options.
Prevention
Many of the causes of cirrhosis are treatable or preventable and you should discuss any risk factors with your physician. Once you have cirrhosis, it is difficult to get the scar tissue go away. But, treating the cause may keep the cirrhosis from getting worse, and in some conditions reduce the scar tissue.