In short
Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver that develops after years of inflammation or injury — most often from long-term alcohol use, viral hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease or autoimmune disorders. Scarring cannot usually be reversed, but early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression and prevent complications.
What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a late stage of chronic liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue. This scarring slows down the liver’s ability to function normally, leading to serious complications over time.
The liver performs essential tasks such as filtering toxins, producing proteins, aiding digestion and storing nutrients. When cirrhosis develops, these functions weaken, making it difficult for the body to stay healthy.
Cirrhosis of the liver can develop after years of liver inflammation or continuous injury. Because the liver can repair itself, damage often goes unnoticed for years until symptoms begin to appear.
Key facts at a glance
Cirrhosis meaning
The term cirrhosis refers to permanent scarring of liver tissue. Once scar tissue forms it cannot be reversed, but early diagnosis can slow progression and prevent complications.
Why it happens
Long-term inflammation from alcohol, fatty liver, hepatitis or autoimmune liver disorders creates scar tissue that replaces healthy cells and affects liver function.
How it begins
Persistent liver injury from toxins, metabolic issues, viral infections or immune reactions leads to fibrosis, reducing healthy tissue over time.
Why it is “silent”
The liver keeps working even when partly damaged, so early cirrhosis often causes few or no symptoms.
Common causes
Conditions such as chronic alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B or C), fatty liver disease and autoimmune disorders are among the most common causes of cirrhosis. Read the full guide to cirrhosis causes.
Common symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea or digestive discomfort
- Persistent itching
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling in the legs, feet and abdomen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Confusion and memory problems
- Dark urine or pale stools
Learn what each symptom means.
Why monitoring matters
Liver disease progression is often silent until a critical event. Small changes in sodium or fluid balance can trigger serious complications, and MELD score trends directly affect transplant prioritisation. Continuous tracking between clinic visits helps patients and clinicians notice changes earlier.