Diagnosis An ultrasound scan may show that the liver is enlarged. A liver scan using a radioactive isotope creates an image showing which areas of the liver are functioning and which are scarred. A definitive diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of a sample of liver tissue. Prognosis and Treatment Cirrhosis is usually progressive. If someone with early alcoholic cirrhosis stops drinking, the process of liver scarring usually stops, but scar tissue remains indefinitely.
Liver cancer can also occur in people with cirrhosis from alcohol abuse.
No cure exists for cirrhosis. The treatment includes withdrawing toxic agents such as alcohol, receiving proper nutrition including supplemental vitamins, and treating complications as they arise. Liver transplantation may help a person with advanced cirrhosis. But if the person continues to abuse alcohol or if the underlying cause cannot be altered, a transplanted liver will also eventually develop cirrhosis. Primary biliary cirrhosis is inflammation and eventual scarring and obstruction of the bile ducts in the liver.