Liver fibrosis is a condition of scarring and stiffness of the liver and is caused by a variety of medical conditions.
The most advanced form of scarring is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can result from long term liver infections or long-term liver inflammation (including excessive alcohol, autoimmune, and genetic diseases) in which the healthy liver tissues are slowly replaced by scar tissues. Initially the scar tissue is fine, delicate and hard to detect, but over time it accumulates and can take over the entire liver, replacing normal tissue. This can prevent the liver from working properly and can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
Even if your disease is in an early stage, we recommend patients get regular check-ups with their health care provider. Routine bloodwork and monitoring with a FibroScan will allow your doctor to monitor your liver’s health and address potential disease progression sooner. Because liver diseases rarely present with symptoms until more advanced stages arise, patients do not often address the issue or receive a diagnosis until the liver becomes severely scarred.