Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver, resulting from chronic damage. Cirrhosis impairs liver function and can lead to many serious complications, ranging from osteoporosis to liver cancer.

In the United States, the leading cause of cirrhosis is alcohol abuse, and the next most common causes are chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Many patients experience no symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms in later stages may include weight loss, fatigue or fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Methods of diagnosis include a physical examination, medical history, liver function test, ultrasound and liver biopsy.

There is no cure for cirrhosis, which results in about 26,000 deaths each year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The focus of treatment is to prevent or delay progression of the disease and to prevent or reduce complications. Patients must avoid all alcohol and eat a healthy diet. Treatment may also include treating complications of cirrhosis. If liver failure occurs, a liver transplant may be needed.