Relapse take 2

[puddy68]

I'm so sorry to bother all of you again. I recently joined a liver support facebook site, and they're all telling me that once you have cirrhosis, it will inevitably lead to liver cancer and a transplant. Is this true? Any answers would be so appreciated. Thank you all for your patience with me.......I know my questions can be tiresome, and I truly, truly appreciate all of your support. Thank you so much....Shelley.

[Aotea2012]

No that’s not correct. Of course it can lead to that but if the cause of the cirrhosis is removed (alcohol for example) then it’s quite possible for the liver to improve and for it to perform its functions perfectly well. I have cirrhosis which was caused by alcohol. I’ve been abstinent now for nearly 4 years and my liver is working perfectly ok. My bloods are normal, my scans show no nasties and my recent fibroscan was 6.9 CAP. I asked my consultant whether I ever had it as the fibroscan is normal. His reply was yes but the liver is a resilient organ and it can repair to quite an extent if you look after it. Cirrhosis is by no means a death sentence.

[Grannyblue in reply to Aotea2012]

were you decompensated?

[Aotea2012 in reply to Grannyblue]

Yes for a while.

[D6C2L30E-48 in reply to Aotea2012]

May I ask your fibroscan scan score at diagnosis

[Aotea2012 in reply to D6C2L30E-48]

I didn’t have a fibroscan done at diagnosis. My bloods and ultrasound were enough to come to a diagnosis. The discussion I had with my consultant recently was whether it had been cirrhosis in the first place or could it have been an inflamed liver. Only a biopsy would confirm this and it’s something I’m not curious enough to explore. My liver is much improved with my new lifestyle - no alcohol, healthy diet and some exercise, and it’s not one I want to change. The twice yearly scan and bloods isn’t onerous and it means I have a medical check as well. I was in a mess at diagnosis and am not now. I live a normal life with an adjusted lifestyle which is so much healthier than it was before.

[AyrshireK]

No, neither is inevitable. Cirrhosis does carry a slightly increased risk of developing liver cancer which is why patients with cirrhosis should have 6 monthly HCC screening via a scan and regular AFP (Alpha fetoprotein) blood test.

Not everyone who has cirrhosis goes on to need a transplant but it is a treatment option if the liver does start to fail.

You can slow or halt progression with continuous abstinence. Hopefully you never need t/p but take note (without sounding too preachy I hope) they can refuse to list you if you can't prove committed abstinence or if it's obvious that in tough times you are likely to seek alcohol as a crutch because listing, waiting, t/p and recovery bring their own emotional stresses.

Best wishes, Katie

[NieceByMarriage]

Well done for doing your research and getting a variety of opinions. I don't know the answer to your question but I don't believe what the FB people are saying. Nothing is inevitable bar an eventual death itself. But that may be from going under the proverbial bus and nothing whatsoever to do with your liver. I personally believe that words like "inevitably" just encourage people to lose hope and reduce their efforts to stay healthy because they feel like it is a pointless endeavour. It isn't.

[Jans1953]

I was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2002 due to unhealthy lifestyle not alcohol. I did eventually need a transplant in 2018 but was able to lead a pretty normal life for those 16 years and the subsequent 6 years. The liver is remarkably resilient. And you only really need a small part of it to be working well to live a normal life. We just have to change those bad habits.

[SirRobert]

I don’t have enough experience, but just wanted to say - always ask the questions and sending my support your way!

[Oldbits]

Simple answer, NO it's not inevitable. You do become a higher risk and should be checked regularly and if things change they can be dealt with. Cirrhosis is scarring on the liver and if you give your liver a chance to heal enough to perform most of its 500+ jobs it becomes Compensated Cirrhosis and can be managed. So if you look after your self and remove the cause there is no reason why you can't live a long, full and happy life.

[Kingbilly3]

no it’s not true, you are at higher risk but you will get scans every 6 month to check ❤️

[Researchfreak]

I’d leave that toxic so called support group if that is what they say. I have stage 4 cirrhosis have a slightly higher risk of liver cancer hence six monthly US test. Talk to liver nurses on here they will put you straight and put your mind to rest.

[Kristian]

Not sure what group you've joined, I've never seen such "advice" be given in any of the groups I've been part of. I'd suggest you look for a more reputable one to join. There are plenty of very good ones out there.

I'd also try and get your facts from more reputable organisations sites too. I'm sure Australia has an equivalent British Liver Trust or even NHS website. Social Media is great for support, but it's very difficult for folks to offer support from experience as opposed to just responding with a personal view or assumption.

In response to your question though, the answer is No, having cirrhosis does not always lead to any form of cancer or even the need for transplant. Cirrhosis is just a build up of scar tissue that forms as a result of on going long term liver injury. If you stop whatever is causing the injury then further progression can also be stopped or very much slowed. Usually to the extent where, despite the cirrhosis, your liver is able to continue to work perfectly adequately to meet its required functions.

Of course, sometimes progression does continue. But in the main, removing what was causing the injury, is sufficient to avoid the need for transplant ever occurring and significantly reduces the risk of other complications materialising.

Hope that helps.

[Roy1955]

2% of people with cirrhosis develop cancer each year (so thats 1 in 50).I like those odds!