These develop when excess copper is distributed throughout the cornea. The treatment for people with Wilson's disease includes reducing the amount of copper rich foods they eat and medication. Copper rich foods include organ meats, shellfish, nuts, chocolate, and mushrooms. Medications used for the treatment of Wilson's disease work by increasing the excretion of excess copper in the urine or the feces. If it is diagnosed and treated early, a person can have a normal lifespan.
Detection is most likely to occur during a routine blood screening.
Some people are identified because of other relatives and will present with no symptoms. Others may complain of weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of libido, and joint pain. Diabetes and bronzed skin may be present. People may also present with symptoms of liver damage including an enlarged liver and spleen, ascites, swelling, and jaundice. If a HHC is diagnosed and effective treatment undertaken before cirrhosis develops, the person will not develop any long-term liver complications.