What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This scarring develops after long-term inflammation or injury and makes it harder for the liver to do important work, such as processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and supporting digestion. Cirrhosis is considered the advanced stage of many types of chronic (long-term) liver disease.
At Penn Medicine, people with cirrhosis benefit from a team that specializes in managing advanced liver scarring and its complications. Hepatologists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and transplant experts deliver coordinated care at every step.
Our program offers services that many centers cannot, including dedicated management of portal hypertension, minimally invasive procedures to prevent bleeding, and access to a specialized Ascites Clinic. For those who need it, Penn Medicine is home to one of the nation’s leading liver transplant programs, providing a seamless pathway to lifesaving care. Our goal is to support liver function, reduce symptoms, and help you maintain the best possible quality of life.
Cirrhosis signs and symptoms
Cirrhosis often develops slowly, and you may not notice symptoms in the early stages. Sometimes cirrhosis is discovered during a routine blood test or imaging exam before symptoms appear. As cirrhosis advances, people may experience:
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Poor appetite, nausea, or weight loss
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Itchy skin or easy bruising
- Redness or darkening of the palms (palmar erythema)
- Small, spider-like blood vessels (spider angiomas), usually on the face, neck, and chest
What are the causes of cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis can result from many long-term liver conditions, like alcohol-related liver disease, chronic forms of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or fatty liver disease, among others. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your health history and its connection to cirrhosis.
How cirrhosis is diagnosed
To diagnose cirrhosis, your care team will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests to check liver function. Abdominal imaging can show areas of scarring, fluid buildup, or abnormal blood flow. Sometimes, a liver biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis, or other specialized tests may be recommended.
Cirrhosis treatment and management
While scarring from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, treatment focuses on slowing further damage, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Your care team may recommend a range of treatments from lifestyle changes and medications to minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. Patients with severe fluid build-up (refractory ascites) can be evaluated at our specialized Ascites Clinic, which offers innovative treatment options, including a device that automatically pumps excess fluid from the abdominal cavity into the bladder for natural removal.
Can cirrhosis be prevented?
Some causes of cirrhosis can be prevented or managed with healthy lifestyle choices and early medical care. Regular checkups and early treatment of liver disease can greatly reduce the risk of cirrhosis and its complications. You can also help lower your risk by:
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes or high cholesterol
- Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
- Talking with your provider about medications and supplements that may affect your liver
- Practicing safe hygiene and avoiding needle sharing to prevent hepatitis B and C infection