Can cirrhosis of the liver be cured?!
Question:
Can cirrhosis of the liver be cured?
Answers:
No, not without a transplant. But if the cirrhosis is caused by a virus, such as hepatitis C, and the person is able to do the treatment (peginterferon & ribavirin), then studies have shown that the liver can have histologic improvement. While that might mean the liver will still have damage, it may add some time and slow down further progression of the disease. Pegylated interferon has been used as a maintenance to keep people from going into liver failure.
If the cirrhosis is from alcohol or other liver diseases, then a transplant may help. I know many people who have been transplanted and all of them are doing well. I work with a liver disease support group.
One other thing: some people can live many many years with cirrhosis IF they take care of themselves, change their lifestyle, and do not drink or use drugs (even over the counter & prescriptions) unless their doctor (specialist: gastroenterologist or hepatologist) is aware of everything they take. Best wishes.