Overview
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can cause long-term liver inflammation, often without symptoms for many years. Without appropriate monitoring or treatment, they may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Effective treatments are now available, making early diagnosis and specialist follow-up essential.
What is hepatitis B and hepatitis C?
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral infections that affect the liver. They are transmitted through blood or infected bodily fluids and can become chronic, meaning the virus remains in the body long term.
Many people with hepatitis B or C feel entirely well for years. During this time, however, ongoing low-grade liver inflammation may cause progressive liver damage without obvious symptoms.
Why detecting these infections early is important?
If left untreated or unmonitored, chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to:
- Progressive liver scarring (fibrosis)
- Liver cirrhosis
- Primary liver cancer
Because symptoms often appear late, early diagnosis and regular follow-up are essential to prevent long-term complications.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How are hepatitis B and C assessed?
Assessment involves blood tests to:
- Confirm the diagnosis
- Measure viral activity
- Assess liver inflammation
Imaging and non-invasive tests such as FibroScan are used to assess liver health and guide management decisions.
Treatment of hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is now curable in the vast majority of patients. Modern antiviral treatments:
- Are taken orally
- Are usually given for 8–12 weeks
- Are very well tolerated
- Achieve cure rates exceeding 95%
Once cured, the virus does not return. Ongoing follow-up depends on whether liver scarring was present before treatment.
Treatment of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is not usually curable, but it can be very effectively controlled. Treatment aims to suppress the virus, reduce liver inflammation, and prevent disease progression.
Not everyone with hepatitis B requires immediate treatment. Decisions are based on:
- Viral activity
- Liver inflammation
- Degree of liver scarring
- Individual risk factors
For those who need treatment, long-term antiviral therapy is highly effective and significantly reduces the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. New treatments have recently been approved for use in the UK.
Long-term monitoring and surveillance
Even when treatment is not required, regular monitoring is essential. Follow-up typically includes:
- Blood tests to assess viral activity and liver health
- Periodic assessment of liver scarring
- Surveillance for liver cancer in higher-risk individuals
Specialist care ensures monitoring is tailored appropriately and treatment is started at the right time.
Why early specialist review is helpful?
Hepatitis B and C are severe but highly manageable conditions. With modern treatments and appropriate specialist follow-up, long-term liver damage can often be prevented, and outcomes are excellent.