Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver. The liver is a large organ in the upper abdomen which has a lot of roles such as detoxification of harmful materials in the body and blood purification. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death by disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cirrhosis accounts for 27,000 deaths per year, and men are more affected with cirrhosis than women. Complications from cirrhosis can be severe, and may not be reversible.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a decrease of brain function that happens when there are high levels of toxic substances in the blood. When a liver is damaged it can no longer clear the toxins from the blood as well as a healthy liver. These toxins can cause confusion and difficulty in concentration. Hepatic encephalopathy can progress to unresponsiveness or coma.
Portal Hypertension
The portal vein is responsible for carrying blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver. Cirrhosis scar tissues make it hard for blood to flow freely, which leads to an increase in the pressure, called portal hypertension. The blood may be redirected to the smaller veins and they can burst from the pressure and cause bleeding.
Liver Cancer
Cirrhosis can increase the risk for a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. Physicians may recommend ultrasound exams to check the liver for any abnormalities. Surgery to remove the cancer or liver transplant are sometimes successful in treating cancer caused by cirrhosis. Other treatments like radiation and chemotherapy may increase life expectancy but rarely result in a cure. Sorafenib tosylate, an oral medication, may help patients with advanced cases of liver cancer.
