Cirrhosis can lead to a number of complications, including liver cancer. In some people, the symptoms of cirrhosis may be the first signs of liver disease.
- You may bleed or bruise easily.
- Water may build up in your legs and/or abdomen.
- Your skin and eyes may take on a yellow color, a condition called jaundice.
- Your skin may itch intensely.
- In blood vessels leading to your liver, the blood may back up because of blockage. These blood vessels may burst.
- You may become more sensitive to medications and their side effects.
- You may develop insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes.
- Toxins may build up in your brain, causing problems with concentration, memory, sleeping, or other mental functions.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with cirrhosis, treatment will focus on keeping your condition from getting worse. It may be possible to stop or slow the liver damage. It is important to protect the healthy liver tissue you have left.