Hepatitis C is a liver disease that may lead to liver cancer, liver failure and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). The disease can be contracted through infected blood, sexual contact and from mother to child in childbirth, according to the National Library of Medicine. Often times, the disease will yield no symptoms for years. In the end stages of hepatitis C, symptoms become apparent, including fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and dark urine.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis represents irreversible damage to the liver. It is a result of liver inflammation caused by hepatitis C and, in some cases, alcohol abuse. Approximately twenty percent of those with hepatitis C develop cirrhosis of the liver, typically after the disease has progressed for 10 to 30 years, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gastrointestinal bleeding may result from enlarged veins in the esophagus. Damage to the brain and nervous system (resulting in confusion), bleeding or bruising easily and severe itching also occur in the end stages of hepatitis C. When these symptoms are present, the disease progresses quickly. Upon diagnoses, treatment is focused on slowing the damage and protecting healthy liver tissue, according to the American Liver Foundation.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer may result from cirrhosis. Typically, no symptoms are present, making early detection complicated. Pain on the right side of the abdomen, fatigue, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss are some signs of liver cancer, which can occur in end the stages of hepatitis C. More than 80 percent of liver cancer cases result from cirrhosis, according to the American Liver Foundation.
Liver Failure
Liver failure results when the liver loses its ability to function. Chronic liver failure is a result of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C. Initially, liver failure causes symptoms common in illnesses like the flu. Nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhea signal the early stages. However, as the liver failure progresses, confusion and extreme fatigue are apparent. Risks of coma and death exist, making immediate treatment vital to life. The best treatment for liver failure is transplantation, though the possibility of obtaining an organ is slim, due to the number of patients in need compared to the available organs.
