Hepatic fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver caused by repeated or long-term injury. As the liver attempts to heal itself, excess collagen and scar tissue form, which can eventually impair blood flow and liver function. Early detection and management can slow or even reverse fibrosis before it progresses to cirrhosis.
In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms. As fibrosis advances, you might experience:
Several factors can injure the liver over time and lead to fibrosis:
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Hepatic fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver due to long-term injury or inflammation. Over time, this scarring can impair liver function if left untreated.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, non-invasive elastography (FibroScan), MRI or ultrasound imaging, and sometimes a liver biopsy to assess the extent of scarring.
Congenital hepatic fibrosis may present with an enlarged spleen, kidney abnormalities, high blood pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension), and related complications early in life.
Early symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal discomfort or pressure, poor appetite, unintended weight loss, itchy or dry skin, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Yes. In its early stages, hepatic fibrosis can often be halted or even reversed with timely treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and removal of the underlying cause.
Fibrosis refers to initial or moderate scarring that may still be reversible. Cirrhosis is advanced, widespread liver scarring that is typically permanent and more difficult to manage.
Fibrosis is graded from F0 to F4: F0 - no scarring F1-F2 - mild to moderate scarring F3 - significant scarring F4 - cirrhosis (severe, widespread scarring)
Yes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes fat buildup in the liver that can trigger inflammation and, over time, lead to fibrosis if not addressed.
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our board-certified gastroenterologists and hepatology specialists use the latest diagnostic tools and therapies to manage and treat hepatic fibrosis.
Hepatic fibrosis is scarring of the liver from chronic injury. Treatment involves identifying and removing the cause, adopting healthy lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, abstaining from alcohol), taking medications as needed, and ongoing monitoring to slow or reverse progression.
