| Image = Hepatocellular_carcinoma_1.jpg | Caption = Cirrhosis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (autopsy specimen). | DiseasesDB = 2729 | ICD10 = , , | ICD9 = | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = med | eMedicineTopic = 3183 | eMedicine_mult = | MeshID = D008103 | }} of the abdomen.]]Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules, leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C, but has many other possible causes. Ascites (fluid retention in the abdominal cavity) is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infection, and a poor long-term outcome. Other potentially life-threatening complications are hepatic encephalopat