Does early-stage cirrhosis hurt when pressed?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 04, 2025
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The anatomical location of the liver is covered by the ribs, so generally, the liver cannot be felt below the lower edge of the ribs, and since it is covered by the ribs, the liver cannot be pressed, hence there is no such thing as pain upon pressing. When we generally check for liver pain, we use percussion pain. By percussing the area of the liver, which is under the rib area, pain can be elicited in the liver, this is called percussion pain. The liver generally does not have tenderness because it simply cannot be pressed. Early stages of liver cirrhosis usually exhibit little to no pain sensation. However, some symptoms might appear during the decompensated phase, such as fatigue, weight loss, dull complexion, reduced urine output, edema, and spider angiomata, among other symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
1min 8sec home-news-image

Is hepatitis B cirrhosis contagious?

If hepatitis B is not well controlled, it can easily lead to the occurrence of cirrhosis. After the hepatitis B virus infects the human body, it causes repeated inflammatory damage to the liver, with recurring abnormalities in liver function. If during this period there is no formal antiviral treatment or lack of attention, it is very likely to lead to the development of cirrhosis. Once cirrhosis from hepatitis B occurs, it is generally irreversible. Cirrhosis due to hepatitis B is also an infectious disease, and its level of infectiousness mainly depends on the presence of the virus. If the viral load is positive, indicated by a positive HBV-DNA test, then it is infectious. If HBV-DNA is negative, then it is not infectious. Therefore, whether cirrhosis from hepatitis B is infectious primarily depends on the level of HBV-DNA.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Does early-stage cirrhosis hurt when pressed?

The anatomical location of the liver is covered by the ribs, so generally, the liver cannot be felt below the lower edge of the ribs, and since it is covered by the ribs, the liver cannot be pressed, hence there is no such thing as pain upon pressing. When we generally check for liver pain, we use percussion pain. By percussing the area of the liver, which is under the rib area, pain can be elicited in the liver, this is called percussion pain. The liver generally does not have tenderness because it simply cannot be pressed. Early stages of liver cirrhosis usually exhibit little to no pain sensation. However, some symptoms might appear during the decompensated phase, such as fatigue, weight loss, dull complexion, reduced urine output, edema, and spider angiomata, among other symptoms.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
1min 16sec home-news-image

What items are rechecked in the early stages of cirrhosis?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, it is essential to first re-examine liver function, including transaminases, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin. This is very important. Additionally, it is necessary to recheck the complete blood count to monitor the number of white blood cells and platelets. Another important assessment is a liver ultrasound to observe whether the liver surface is smooth, the width of the portal vein, the presence of portal hypertension, and whether the spleen is enlarged. Furthermore, a re-examination of coagulation function to check for any changes is crucial. In the early stages of liver disease, these are the primary examinations that should suffice. Based on the results, the severity of the condition should be determined. When necessary, in cases of viral-induced cirrhosis such as hepatitis B or C, aggressive antiviral symptomatic treatment should be administered.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Can severe cirrhosis be cured?

Severe cirrhosis is understood to refer to the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, which is the later stage of the condition, primarily characterized by the hardening of the liver. Additionally, it presents a series of bodily complications such as ascites, as well as esophageal and gastric varices caused by portal hypertension. Sometimes, because of these varices, accidental rupture can occur during eating, leading to severe bleeding, which is a major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage — a very dangerous complication. If this bleeding is not controlled, it can become life-threatening. Moreover, the skin may display spider nevi, and palmar erythema can appear on the hands; these are common manifestations and complications during the decompensated phase of cirrhosis. Thus, cirrhosis is not curable. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief to minimize discomfort caused by the symptoms, but the disease itself cannot be cured.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can cirrhosis be contagious?

Diseases that cause cirrhosis include viral hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, and others, as well as alcoholic liver disease or autoimmune liver disease, all of which can lead to cirrhosis. Only cirrhosis caused by viral hepatitis can be contagious, and it only transmits hepatitis B or C virus, not cirrhosis directly. After a patient is infected with hepatitis B or C virus, they may gradually develop chronic hepatitis B or C. Over a long period of time, the virus damages the liver cells which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Thus, cirrhosis itself is not contagious; only the virus can be transmitted.