Which doctor treats fibrosis? A guide to specialists and treatment

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Fibrosis, the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, is a common pathological feature of many chronic diseases. Navigating the medical system to find the right care can be challenging, but understanding which doctor treats fibrosis is the critical first step toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Quick Summary

The specific doctor who treats fibrosis depends on the affected organ, with care often involving a team of specialists like a pulmonologist for lung fibrosis or a gastroenterologist for liver fibrosis.

Key Points

Specialization is key: The doctor who treats fibrosis depends entirely on which organ is affected, from lungs to liver and kidneys.
Pulmonologists treat lung fibrosis: If your fibrosis impacts the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis), a pulmonologist is the specialist you need to see.
Hepatologists treat liver fibrosis: For liver scarring, or fibrosis, a hepatologist or gastroenterologist is the correct specialist.
Rheumatologists handle systemic fibrosis: If fibrosis is a symptom of an autoimmune disease like scleroderma, a rheumatologist will lead the treatment.
Team-based care is common: Many types of fibrosis, especially complex genetic or systemic ones like cystic fibrosis, are best managed by a multi-disciplinary team of doctors.
Primary care is the first step: Your primary care doctor will provide the initial referral to the correct specialist after preliminary tests.

Understanding the Complexities of Fibrosis

Fibrosis is a process where scar tissue forms due to chronic inflammation or injury. This scarring can occur in almost any organ, leading to a loss of function and potentially life-threatening complications. The widespread nature of this condition means that no single type of doctor treats all forms of it. Instead, a patient's care is guided by a specialist based on the organ affected, with a primary care physician often serving as the initial point of contact and referral.

The Importance of a Multi-Disciplinary Team

Because fibrosis can be systemic or impact multiple body parts, an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to treatment is often the most effective. This team-based care ensures that all aspects of the patient's health are monitored and managed. It can include specialists in different fields, physical and respiratory therapists, dietitians, and social workers. Your primary care physician typically coordinates this care, but the lead specialist will manage the specific treatment plan for your affected organ.

Specialization by Organ: Who to See for Your Condition

Identifying the specific organ affected by fibrosis is the most crucial step in determining the right specialist. Here is a breakdown of common types of fibrosis and the doctors who treat them.

Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is caused by chronic liver damage, such as that from hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption. While the initial fibrosis may be reversible, advanced stages lead to cirrhosis, which is irreversible scarring. The specialist for this condition is a gastroenterologist or a hepatologist (a doctor specializing in liver, gallbladder, and biliary diseases).

Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist: Diagnoses the condition, orders necessary imaging (like CT scans) and lab tests, and manages the treatment plan. They may also perform procedures like biopsies.
Surgical Specialist: In severe cases, a liver transplant surgeon may become part of the team if the damage is advanced enough to require a transplant.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of the lung tissue, which makes breathing difficult. Causes include exposure to certain toxins, autoimmune diseases, and can sometimes be idiopathic (unknown cause). A pulmonologist, a specialist in lung diseases, is the key physician for this condition.

Pulmonologist: Evaluates and diagnoses the lung scarring, monitors disease progression, and manages medication and supplemental oxygen needs. They often interpret tests such as pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT scans.
Rheumatologist: If the pulmonary fibrosis is linked to an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, a rheumatologist will collaborate to manage the underlying systemic disease.
Thoracic Surgeon: For advanced cases, a thoracic surgeon may be involved to evaluate the patient for a lung transplant.

Kidney Fibrosis

Scarring in the kidneys can lead to chronic kidney disease and eventually kidney failure. It can be caused by hypertension, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. The specialist who manages this condition is a nephrologist, a doctor specializing in kidney health.

Nephrologist: Oversees the management of kidney function, prescribes treatments to slow the progression of fibrosis, and monitors kidney health through regular lab work. They will also manage any related complications.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. It is a multi-organ disease and, as such, requires a comprehensive team approach, often led by a specialized pulmonologist. Other specialists are almost always involved.

Pulmonologist: Manages the severe respiratory complications of cystic fibrosis.
Gastroenterologist: Addresses the digestive system issues caused by the thick mucus.
Endocrinologist: Manages complications like cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

Systemic Fibrosis (e.g., Scleroderma)

Some autoimmune diseases can cause widespread fibrosis throughout the body. Scleroderma, for example, is a condition that leads to hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. For these systemic conditions, a rheumatologist is the primary specialist.

Rheumatologist: Specializes in inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases, and will manage the systemic inflammation that drives the fibrosis.

Comparison of Fibrosis Specialists


Specialist	Affected Organ(s)	Typical Diagnostic Tests	Primary Role in Treatment
Pulmonologist	Lungs (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis)	CT scan, pulmonary function tests, lung biopsy	Manages lung-specific symptoms and treatment
Gastroenterologist / Hepatologist	Liver (e.g., liver fibrosis, cirrhosis)	Liver function tests, imaging, liver biopsy	Manages digestive and liver health, may oversee transplant
Nephrologist	Kidneys	Blood and urine tests, kidney biopsy, imaging	Manages kidney function and related conditions
Rheumatologist	Connective tissue, skin, lungs (systemic)	Blood tests for autoimmune markers, physical exam	Addresses underlying autoimmune cause and inflammation

The Role of Your Primary Care Physician

Your primary care physician (PCP) is the starting point for any health concern, including potential fibrosis. They will perform the initial evaluation, order basic lab work, and, most importantly, provide a referral to the appropriate specialist. Maintaining communication with your PCP is essential, as they can help coordinate care among the different specialists on your team, ensuring everyone has a complete picture of your health.

Finding a Fibrosis Specialist

When faced with a fibrosis diagnosis, finding a qualified specialist is key. You can start with your primary care doctor for a referral. Additionally, foundations and organizations dedicated to specific types of fibrosis can often provide directories of accredited care centers. For instance, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers an online locator for finding accredited centers for cystic fibrosis care nationwide. Researching doctors and facilities, and understanding their experience with your specific type of fibrosis, will empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

In conclusion, fibrosis requires a specialized and often team-based approach to care. The specific physician leading your treatment will depend on the organ affected, such as a pulmonologist for the lungs or a hepatologist for the liver. Consulting with your primary care provider is the first and most logical step toward assembling the right medical team to manage your condition effectively. For more information, visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to explore resources and learn more about this specific type of fibrosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fibrosis is the formation of excess connective tissue in an organ or tissue in a process of reactive repair. It is a common pathological feature in many chronic diseases and can lead to organ failure if left untreated.

Diagnosis depends on the location of the fibrosis. It typically involves a combination of imaging tests (like CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound), blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for examination. A specialist determines the most appropriate tests based on the patient's symptoms.

The reversibility of fibrosis depends on the stage and affected organ. In early stages, some forms of fibrosis can be reversed, but advanced scarring (such as cirrhosis of the liver) is generally considered irreversible. Treatment focuses on preventing further scarring and managing symptoms.

If fibrosis is a result of an autoimmune condition like scleroderma or lupus, a rheumatologist is the specialist to consult. They will work to manage the underlying autoimmune disease and the associated inflammation.

In most cases, yes. Your primary care physician (PCP) is the best starting point. They can perform an initial assessment and then provide a referral to the appropriate specialist, ensuring coordinated care and coverage under your insurance plan.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, or swelling, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

No, there is no single type of doctor who treats all types of fibrosis. Given that fibrosis can affect many different organs, the specialist you see will depend on the specific organ involved. This is why a multidisciplinary approach, guided by your PCP, is often necessary.