A virus that damages the liver, hepatitis C passes from person to person through contaminated blood. The Mayo Clinic notes that the most common transmission method of hepatitis C is shared needle use, such as from drug use. About 4.1 million people in the United States have the hepatitis C antibody, meaning they have had the virus in the past or currently have it, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). While the American Gastroenterological Association notes that most patients do not develop complications, serious damage to the liver may occur 20 years after the infection.
Cirrhosis
A serious complication of hepatitis C, cirrhosis causes scarring of the liver. Symptoms of cirrhosis include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, blood in stools, confusion and yellowing of the skin, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The American Gastroenterological Association states that 20 to 30 percent of hepatitis C patients develop cirrhosis 20 to 30 years after the infection. Cirrhosis scarring permanently damages the liver, affecting its ability to function. Cirrhosis also may cause other liver problems, such as liver cancer.
Liver Cancer
The Mayo Clinic notes that in a few patients, liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, develops. The symptoms of liver cancer include yellowing of the skin, an enlarged abdomen, easy bruising and abdominal pain. A patient with liver cancer does not have a good outlook for recovery, as only 10 to 20 percent of patients have the cancer fully removed, according to the NIH; if the doctor cannot fully remove the cancer, the patient's life expectancy is between three and six months.
Liver Failure
In severe cases, the liver fails and no longer functions. The NDDIC states that liver failure is a common cause of liver transplants in the United States, as a transplant may be the patient's only option. Without a fully functional liver, the body cannot produce enough clotting factors, leading to bleeding disorders. The Mayo Clinic notes that risks associated with liver failure include excessive fluid in the brain and infections.
