Cirrhosis of the liver turning white is a phenomenon that may be related to the formation of scar tissue and regeneration of liver cells in the late stage of cirrhosis. In the progression of cirrhosis, long-term damage causes liver cells to necrotize and be replaced by fibrous tissue, forming nodules of varying sizes. These nodules may appear pale or white during pathological examination, hence the term "cirrhosis turning white." This typically indicates severe liver damage and fibrosis. Specific diagnosis and evaluation require imaging examinations (such as ultrasound, CT, MRI) and liver function tests.
Disease description:
My grandfather was diagnosed with cirrhosis last week. His stool has turned white in recent days. May I ask why cirrhosis causes stool to turn white?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
White stool in patients with cirrhosis is usually related to impaired liver function. Cirrhosis leads to decreased liver function, thereby affecting the normal metabolism and excretion of bilirubin. Bilirubin is the raw material for the synthesis of stercobilinogen. When liver function is impaired, disturbances in bilirubin metabolism result in reduced bile secretion or bile stasis, affecting the normal excretion of bile pigments. Accumulation of bile pigments in the body can cause the stool color to become lighter or even white. In addition, cirrhosis may also cause intestinal mucosal edema and bleeding, further affecting the absorption and excretion of bile pigments and exacerbating changes in stool color. Therefore, white stool in patients with cirrhosis may indicate progression of liver disease, and timely medical evaluation and treatment are necessary.
