Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis And How It Affects Your Liver

9. Prognosis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis progresses very slowly over the course of many years before symptoms develop. Symptoms may then remain stable or consistent, they may gradually progress, or they may come and go. According to the American Liver Foundation, liver failure may occur anywhere from ten to fifteen years after diagnosis, and sometimes longer. Because of this, most people with primary sclerosing cholangitis will eventually need a liver transplant. Primary sclerosing cholangitis may also result in bile duct cancer.