Cirrhosis Health Article

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Table of Contents
Reviewer Info: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 10/18/2009
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Definition

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function as a result of chronic liver disease.

Alternative Names

Liver cirrhosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States include:

Other causes of cirrhosis include:

Symptoms

Symptoms may develop gradually, or there may be no symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they can include:

Signs and tests

During a physical examination the health care provider may find:

  • An enlarged liver or spleen
  • Excess breast tissue
  • Expanded (distended) abdomen, as a result of too much fluid
  • Reddened palms
  • Red spider-like blood vessels on the skin
  • Smaller (contracted) fingers
  • Small testicles in men
  • Widened (dilated) veins in the abdomen wall
  • Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)

Tests can reveal liver problems including:

The following tests may be used to evaluate the liver:

A liver biopsy confirms cirrhosis.

Some patients will be screened for liver cancer every six months. Your doctor will use a blood test to check for levels of alpha fetoprotein and will do an imaging test (ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan).

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