Cirrhosis

A healthcare provider will begin by physically examining you for signs and symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver. They’ll ask you about when your symptoms began and whether they’ve changed over time. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history, what medications, herbs or supplements you take, and your diet and lifestyle. They’ll look for clues that might suggest a history of liver disease or liver damage.

They’ll follow up with medical tests to look for evidence of cirrhosis of the liver. Tests may include:

• Blood tests. A panel of liver function tests can show signs of liver disease and liver failure. These measure liver products like liver enzymes, proteins and bilirubin levels in your blood. Blood tests may also indicate specific diseases or known side effects, like reduced blood clotting.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests like an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can show the size, shape and texture of your liver. A special type of imaging test called elastography uses ultrasound or MRI technology to measure the level of stiffness or fibrosis in your liver.
• Liver biopsy. A liver biopsy is a minor procedure to take a small tissue sample from your liver to test in a lab. A healthcare provider can usually take the sample through a hollow needle. While not always necessary, a liver biopsy can confirm cirrhosis and may help determine the cause.