Back to Health A to Z. Cirrhosis is scarring fibrosis of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. The scar tissue prevents the liver working properly. Cirrhosis is sometimes called end-stage liver disease because it happens after other stages of damage from conditions that affect the liver, such as hepatitis.
Your liver may keep working even when you have cirrhosis. However, cirrhosis can eventually lead to liver failure, and you can get serious complications, which can be life threatening. If a GP suspects cirrhosis, they'll check your medical history and do a physical examination to look for signs of long-term liver disease.
If tests show that you have cirrhosis, a GP should refer you to see a doctor who specialises in liver problems hepatologist. If you have complications from cirrhosis, or a high chance of getting complications, you may be referred to a specialist liver centre.
There's no cure for cirrhosis at the moment. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and any complications and slow its progression. Treating the problem that led to cirrhosis for example, using anti-viral medicines to treat hepatitis C can stop cirrhosis getting worse. You may be advised to cut down or stop drinking alcohol, or to lose weight if you're overweight. A GP can help you get support if you need help to stop drinking or to lose weight.
If your liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be the only treatment option. Cirrhosis can also be caused by a problem affecting your bile ducts such as primary biliary cholangiti s or immune system such as autoimmune hepatitis , some inherited conditions, and the long-term use of certain medicines. Drinking too much alcohol damages the liver. Over time, this can lead to alcohol-related liver disease.
