Liver disease is a growing health concern in Singapore, with increasing cases linked to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and excessive alcohol consumption. Two commonly misunderstood liver conditions are liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. While both involve scarring of the liver, they differ in severity, reversibility, and long-term health impact. Understanding the differences between liver fibrosis vs. cirrhosis is crucial for early detection, treatment, and prevention of life-threatening complications.
What Is Liver Fibrosis?
Liver fibrosis refers to the early-stage scarring of liver tissue caused by chronic liver injury. This occurs when the liver tries to repair itself from damage caused by:
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infections – Hepatitis B is prevalent in Asia, including Singapore. About 6% of the population in Singapore are hepatitis B carriers, according to SingHealth.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Fatty liver is a growing concern in Singapore due to rising obesity and diabetes rates.
- Alcoholic liver disease – Excessive alcohol consumption leads to liver damage over time.
- Autoimmune liver diseases or genetic disorders – Conditions like primary biliary cholangitis can cause liver scarring.
At this stage, fibrosis is still reversible if the underlying cause is treated. With early intervention, the liver can regenerate and restore normal function.
What Is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is the advanced stage of liver fibrosis, where excessive scarring leads to permanent liver damage. Over time, healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, severely impairing liver function.
Causes Of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis results from untreated or prolonged liver fibrosis, often due to:
- Chronic viral hepatitis B & C
- Long-term alcohol abuse
- NAFLD & obesity-related liver disease
- Repeated liver inflammation or infections
As cirrhosis progresses, it can cause life-threatening complications, including:
- Liver failure – The liver loses its ability to function.
- Portal hypertension – Increased blood pressure in the liver leads to complications like internal bleeding.
- Liver cancer – Cirrhosis significantly raises the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver cancer type.
Unlike liver fibrosis, cirrhosis is irreversible, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Learn More: Liver Cancer In Singapore >>
Liver Fibrosis Vs. Cirrhosis: Key Differences
| Factor | Liver Fibrosis | Cirrhosis |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Early-stage scarring | Advanced, widespread scarring |
| Reversibility | Yes, if detected early | No, permanent damage |
| Liver Function | Still functional | Severely impaired |
| Symptoms | Usually none in early stages | Jaundice, fatigue, swelling, internal bleeding |
| Complications | Can progress to cirrhosis if untreated | Liver failure, liver cancer |
Why Early Detection Matters
Liver disease is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms only appear in advanced stages.
Early screening and lifestyle changes can prevent fibrosis from progressing to cirrhosis. Key screening methods include:
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – Measures liver enzymes to check for inflammation or damage.
- FibroScan (Liver Elastography) – A non-invasive test to assess liver stiffness and detect fibrosis.
- Ultrasound or MRI – Imaging tests to evaluate liver health.
Who Should Get Screened?
Men and women above 40 years old, or those with obesity, diabetes, or hepatitis B, should consider regular liver health screenings to detect early signs of fibrosis.
Contact Us For A Liver Screening Appointment
Early detection is the key to preventing liver disease complications. If you have risk factors for liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, consider getting a liver health screening today.
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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.