Liver cirrhosis is a serious, late-stage liver disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, permanently affecting liver function. It can result from chronic liver damage due to conditions such as:
- Chronic hepatitis B or C – Hepatitis B is a significant concern in Singapore, affecting an estimated 3.6% of the population (Goh et al., 2015).
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Linked to rising obesity and diabetes rates in Singapore.
- Alcoholic liver disease – Long-term alcohol consumption damages liver cells.
- Autoimmune or genetic liver diseases – Certain conditions can trigger progressive liver damage.
Cirrhosis develops silently over time, and many patients do not show symptoms until the disease is advanced. This makes liver cirrhosis screening crucial for early detection and management.
Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms
Early symptoms of cirrhosis, if they show, may include:
- Fatigue or feeling weak.
- Itchy skin.
- Lack of appetite.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Nausea & vomiting.
- Discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, over the liver.
- Muscle loss.
- Muscle cramps.
- Sexual disfunction.
People with advanced cirrhosis may experience other symptoms, including
- Easy bruising and bleeding.
- Confusion, cognitive difficulties, memory loss, personality changes, or sleep disorders.
- internal bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
- Lower limb swelling.
- Swelling of the abdomen.
- Severe itchy skin.
- Dark urine.
- Jaundice.
Learn More: Why Jaundice In Adults Requires Medical Attention >>
Why Liver Cirrhosis Screening Is Important
Cirrhosis is often called a “silent killer” because patients in the early stages may not actually have noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, it can lead to:
- Liver failure – The liver can no longer filter toxins or produce essential proteins.
- Portal hypertension – High blood pressure in the liver, leading to swelling and internal bleeding.
- Liver cancer – Cirrhosis significantly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer.
What Is Included In A Liver Cirrhosis Screening?
A comprehensive liver cirrhosis screening includes non-invasive tests to assess liver health and detect early signs of scarring.
1. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
A blood test that measures liver enzyme levels to check for inflammation and damage.
2. FibroScan (Liver Elastography)
A painless, non-invasive ultrasound-based test that measures liver stiffness to detect fibrosis and cirrhosis.
3. Ultrasound Or MRI Scan
Imaging tests that provide detailed visuals of the liver, identifying scar tissue and abnormalities.
4. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test
A blood test that checks for early signs of liver cancer, which is a major complication of cirrhosis.
Who Should Get A Liver Cirrhosis Screening?
You should consider regular liver cirrhosis screening if you have any of the following risk factors:
✔ Chronic Hepatitis B or C Infection
✔ Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD or Alcoholic Fatty Liver)
✔ Family History Of Liver Disease
✔ Obesity, Diabetes, Or High Cholesterol
✔ Long-Term Alcohol Consumption
In Singapore, men and women over 40 with these risk factors are encouraged to undergo annual liver screening to detect problems early.
Contact Us For A Liver Screening Appointment
Early detection saves lives. If you are at risk of liver cirrhosis, schedule a screening today for peace of mind and better health.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.