Cirrhosis of the Liver

Picture comparing normal liver to liver with cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when scarring, called fibrosis, damages the liver. The scarring replaces healthy tissue and prevents the liver from working normally.

The most common causes of cirrhosis are alcoholism and some types of hepatitis.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerW. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last RevisedJanuary 17, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 17, 2012
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

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