What is cirrhosis primarily characterized by?

Cirrhosis is primarily characterized by permanent scarring of the liver, a process that occurs as a result of long-term damage to the liver. This scarring replaces healthy liver tissue with fibrous tissue, which disrupts the normal structure and function of the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for various functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.

As cirrhosis progresses, it can lead to severe complications such as liver failure, portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the veins that carry blood to the liver), and an increased risk of liver cancer. The permanence of the scarring is a key aspect of cirrhosis, making it a serious condition that requires ongoing management and monitoring.

The other options refer to different medical issues: inflammation of the stomach lining relates to gastritis, increased blood pressure in the arteries describes hypertension, and formation of fibrous tissue in the lungs pertains to pulmonary fibrosis. While these conditions are significant in their own right, they are not characteristics of cirrhosis.