Enhanced Liver Fibrosis

Fibrosis is a medical term that indicates an excessive growth of connective tissue made from fibers in muscles and organs. Three types of connective fiber tissues exist: bone marrow, collagen fibers (a type of protein) and elastic fibers (also a type of protein). Liver fibrosis is a symptom that occurs with, and contributes to, liver disease and liver failure. Liver fibrosis is also known as cirrhosis of the liver. Advanced liver fibrosis is the most progressive and serious form of the disorder.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of liver fibrosis are numerous and can include: abdominal swelling or bruising, enlargement and tenderness of the liver, dark brown urine, bleeding from enlarged veins and nausea.

    Sexual Symptoms

    • Loss of interest in sex and impotence are sometimes signs of liver fibrosis, though they can be associated with many other medical issues as well.

    External Causes

    • Liver fibrosis has many external causes. The most common is excessive consumption of alcohol over a prolonged period of time (usually many years or decades). Alcohol damages the liver and can cause excess fibrous tissues to grow. Fibrosis can also be caused by some chemicals (pollutants and pharmaceuticals), and by bacterial and viral infections of the liver. Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of liver cirrhosis.

    Internal Causes

    • Internal causes also exist for liver fibrosis. Cancerous growths within the liver are known to cause the disorder. Additionally, immune disorders (such as autoimmune hepatitis) and a variety of metabolic disorders can also lead to excess fibrous tissue within the liver.

    Treatment

    • Damage from liver fibrosis cannot be reversed, but treatment may stop or slow further progression. Treatment is specific to the cause of the fibrosis. For example, fibrosis caused by alcoholism is typically treated with the cessation of alcohol consumption and a healthy diet. Fibrosis caused by external chemicals or by internal health disorders involve more extensive and complicated treatments specific to the type and severity of the fibrosis being experienced.