What is the history of hepatitis C?
Chronic hepatitis C appears to be a slowly progressive disease that may gradually advance over 10-40 years. There is some evidence that the disease may progress faster when acquired in middle age or older. In one study, chronic hepatitis C confirmed by liver biopsy was identified an average of 10 years following blood transfusions, while cirrhosis (scarring) was identified after an average of 20 years. It also appears that HCV, like the hepatitis B virus, is associated with an increased chance of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of primary liver cancer. Almost all hepatitis C-related liver cancer occurs in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The exact magnitude of this risk is unknown, but appears to be a late risk factor occurring on the average of 30 years after the time of infection.Before 1992, HCV was transmitted through blood transfusions. However, all blood is now tested for the presence of this virus by the hepatitis C antibody test. It is estimated that the risk o
