Hepatitis, particularly types B and C, has a profound impact on liver health, often leading to serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. These viral infections initiate an inflammatory response in the liver, which, over time, can cause significant damage. The liver, an essential organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and other critical functions, becomes compromised due to the chronic inflammation caused by hepatitis viruses.
Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) and Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infections are the primary culprits in the progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. When the liver is persistently inflamed, its cells (hepatocytes) begin to die and are replaced by scar tissue, a process known as fibrosis. This scarring disrupts the liver’s architecture and its ability to function properly. Over time, extensive fibrosis leads to cirrhosis, where the liver becomes permanently scarred and hardened.
