Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Each time your liver is injured—whether by disease, excessive alcohol consumption, or another cause—it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As the cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue forms, making it difficult for the liver to function.​

Primary causes of cirrhosis

Several factors can lead to cirrhosis. Understanding these can help in early detection and prevention.​

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1. Chronic alcohol abuse

Long-term alcohol abuse is a common cause of liver damage. The liver breaks down alcohol, but excessive consumption over time can lead to inflammation and scarring.​

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2. Chronic viral hepatitis

Hepatitis B and C infections can cause chronic inflammation in the liver, leading to cirrhosis over time.​

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3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

This condition, often associated with obesity and diabetes, involves fat accumulation in the liver, which can progress to inflammation and scarring.​

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4. Autoimmune hepatitis

In this disease, the body's immune system attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and damage.

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5. Genetic diseases

Conditions like hemochromatosis (iron buildup) and Wilson's disease (copper accumulation) can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.​

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Recognizing risk factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing cirrhosis:​

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Regular heavy drinking can damage liver cells.
• Obesity: Increases the risk of NAFLD, leading to cirrhosis.
• Type 2 diabetes: Associated with fat accumulation in the liver.
• Unprotected sex or sharing needles: Raises the risk of hepatitis B and C infections.
• Family history: Genetic conditions affecting the liver can be inherited.​

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Prevention strategies

Preventing cirrhosis involves addressing its root causes:​

• Limit alcohol intake: Moderation is key to reducing liver strain.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Balanced diet and regular exercise help prevent NAFLD.
• Control chronic conditions: Manage diabetes and high cholesterol effectively.
• Practice safe behaviors: Avoid sharing needles and ensure safe sexual practices to prevent hepatitis.
• Regular screenings: Especially if you have risk factors, regular liver function tests can detect issues early.​

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When prevention isn't enough: considering cryopreservation

In cases where cirrhosis progresses to end-stage liver disease and treatment options are limited, exploring future-oriented possibilities becomes essential.​

At Tomorrow.bio, we offer human cryopreservation—a process of preserving individuals at low temperatures after legal death, with the hope that future medical advancements may allow for revival and treatment. While not a cure, it represents an opportunity to bridge today's limitations and tomorrow's possibilities.​

We understand the emotional weight of a terminal diagnosis. Our team is here to provide information and support, helping you make informed decisions about your future.​

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Related articles

• How long can you live with cirrhosis of the liver? Understanding prognosis, treatment, and future options
• What happens to the body after death?

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About Tomorrow.bio

At Tomorrow.bio, we are dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation with the goal of giving people a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading human cryopreservation provider, we focus on rapid, high-quality standby, stabilization, and storage of terminal patients—preserving them until future medical technologies may allow revival and treatment.​

Our mission is to make human cryopreservation a reliable and accessible option for everyone. We believe that no life should end because current medical capabilities fall short.​

Our vision is a future where death is optional—where people have the freedom to choose long-term preservation in the face of terminal illness or fatal injury, and to awaken when medicine has caught up.​

Interested in learning more or becoming a member?

📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio

🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio

🤝 Schedule a call with our team: Book a call

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