varices – extended or swollen veins in the liver that can burst. They can be a complication of cirrhosis.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
dronabinol – medicine made from the active ingredient in marijuana. Dronabinol is approved in the US but is no longer available in the UK.
pegylated interferon (PEG interferon) – treatment for hepatitis C, given in combination with ribavirin. Given as a onceweekly injection.
TST – tuberculosis skin test
A fungal (yeast) infection that affects the mouth and throat, gullet, sinuses, genital organs and – rarely – the brain. Also called ‘candida’.