Cirrhosisis a late-stage liver disease in which there is significant scarring (fibrosis) of the liver.
In fact, more than a million people throughout the world die from complications of cirrhosis each year.
The signs of liver disease aren’t always obvious, though.
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The early stages can last for years or even decades.
During this time, the spread of fibrosis might not bring on any noticeable symptoms.
By the time symptoms and/or complications are recognized, liver damage has most likely already progressed to cirrhosis.
This damage can be the result of a number of health problems.
Widespread scarring inhibits blood flow to the liver, which in turn compromises its primary functions.
It’s easy to see how serious complications, includingliver failure, can develop as a result of cirrhosis.
When caught early and with effective treatment, the chances of slowing the progression of the disease are greater.
This can help extend life-expectancy after diagnosis.
Regularly visiting with your medical team to review how your condition is progressing is important.
A Word From Verywell
Cirrhosis and the accompanying fibrosis causes significant damage to the liver.
A diagnosis of cirrhosis doesn’t mean you have an immediate fatal condition.
Specifically, lesions from gastroesophageal varices are formed.
Currently, there is no cure for cirrhosis.
Successful treatment may be able to slowly heal some liver scarring (fibrosis).
Cirrhosis itself is not hereditary (passed from parent to child).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Cremers I, Ribeiro S.Management of variceal and nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.Therap Adv Gastroenterol.
2014;7(5):206-216. doi:10.1177/1756283X14538688
American Liver Foundation.How liver diseases progress.
Cleveland Clinic.Cirrhosis of the liver.
