There are different ways to describe the progression of cirrhosis. The Child-Pugh system describes three stages, based on test results.
In this system:
Stage A: The liver is working well.
Stage B: There some impact on liver function.
Stage C: Liver function is severely affected.
Doctors also refer to compensated cirrhosis, where damage is present, but the liver is functioning; and decompensated cirrhosis, where damage affects liver function.