Cirrhosis is a condition in which large areas of the liver become very badly scarred. It is the 12th leading cause of death by disease, killing about 26,000 people each year. Cirrhosis can occur as the result of many long-term liver diseases, such as different types of hepatitis or medical conditions people are born with. However, it can also be caused by things like infections, drug and/or alcohol abuse, or a blocked bile duct. Unfortunately, the scarring is permanent; but treatment can stop or slow down further progression and reduce complications.