The answer is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis builds up when scar tissue changes normal, healthy tissue in your liver. It happens after the healthy cells are damaged over a long period of time. This is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. The liver performs a few essential roles, like cleaning your blood, detoxifying harmful substances in your body, and making vital nutrients.