Primary biliary cholangitis

(PBC)

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a long term liver condition. It usually develops very slowly, over many years.

It used to be called primary biliary cirrhosis, but the name was changed because it was a bit misleading. Most people with PBC do not have cirrhosis, which means advanced scarring of the liver.

The information on this page is for:

Adults with primary biliary cholangitis or suspected primary biliary cholangitis
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Find out about autoimmune liver disease in children

Find out more

What is primary biliary cholangitis?

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Ongoing tests

Just diagnosed?

Treatment

Complications and related conditions

Treating advanced PBC

The future of PBC treatment

Living with PBC

Download the PBC booklet

Support

How Liver UK can help

A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.

We're here for you and for your family and friends. Whether you have questions or just need someone to listen, we can help.

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This content was last reviewed: October 2024

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Dr Neil Halliday, Royal Free Hospital, London and Janeane Hails, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. And all our patient reviewers.

Find out how we make our patient information.

Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.