One kind of cancer that begins in the body's biggest organ, the liver, is liver cancer. The liver produces bile, stores energy, and filters blood, among many other essential tasks. These processes may be hampered by liver cancer, which can also result in grave health issues.
The exact cause of liver cancer is not known, but some factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as:
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can damage the liver and cause inflammation and scarring.
Cirrhosis, which is the advanced stage of liver disease that results from long-term damage to the liver. Cirrhosis can be caused by alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, or other conditions.
Exposure to aflatoxins, which are toxins produced by a type of mold that can contaminate some foods, such as peanuts, corn, and grains.
Obesity and diabetes, which can increase the level of fat in the liver and cause insulin resistance, which can lead to liver damage and inflammation.
Smoking, which can introduce harmful chemicals into the body that can damage the liver and other organs.
Liver cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses, it may cause:
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side.
Abdominal swelling or bloating, due to fluid accumulation or tumor growth.
Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
Unintentional weight loss or loss of muscle mass.
Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.
Jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, due to the buildup of bilirubin, a waste product of the liver.
Itching, due to the accumulation of bile salts in the skin.
Dark urine or pale stools, due to the reduced excretion of bilirubin and bile.
Easy bruising or bleeding, due to the impaired production of blood clotting factors by the liver.
To diagnose liver cancer, a doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order some tests, such as:
Blood tests, to measure the levels of liver enzymes, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and other markers that may indicate liver cancer or liver damage.
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or positron emission tomography (PET) scan, to visualize the liver and detect any tumors or abnormalities.
Biopsy, which is the removal of a small sample of tissue from the liver for microscopic examination. A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of liver cancer and determine its type and grade.
The treatment of liver cancer depends on the stage, type, and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health and preferences of the patient. Some common treatment options are:
Surgery involves removing the tumor from the liver along with part of the surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the liver's function and the cancer's degree, surgery may be either palliative or curative. Open or laparoscopic surgery can be used, as well as a specialized tool called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which utilizes heat to kill tumor cells.
replacement of the damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor is known as liver transplantation. Some individuals with early-stage liver cancer who fit specific requirements, such as having a single tumor less than 5 cm or up to three tumors less than 3 cm each, may be cured by liver transplantation.
Chemotherapy is the use of medications to either destroy or inhibit the development of cancer cells. Chemoembolization is a specialized method of administering chemotherapy that involves inserting a catheter into an artery to directly transfer the medications to the liver. Other methods of delivery include oral, injectable, and infusion.
Utilizing high-energy rays or particles to harm or eradicate cancer cells is known as radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be administered internally by putting radioactive materials inside or close to the tumor, or externally by using a machine that directs beams of light toward the liver.
The use of medications that specifically target chemicals or pathways necessary for the development and survival of cancer cells is known as targeted treatment. Compared to chemotherapy, targeted treatment may have fewer adverse effects and can be administered orally or intravenously.
The use of medications to activate the immune system to identify and combat cancer cells is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy side effects include fever, rash, and exhaustion and can be administered by injection or infusion.
Liver cancer can be prevented or detected early by following these tips:
Obtain a hepatitis B vaccination, since this can offer protection against a major contributing factor to liver cancer. For adults, children, and newborns who have a high risk of contracting the virus, vaccination is advised.
Hepatitis C, which can potentially result in liver cancer, should be checked for and treated. People who were born between 1945 and 1965 or who have additional risk factors, such injectable drug usage, blood transfusions, or organ transplants, are advised to have the test. In most situations, the therapy is successful in curing the illness.
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, which can damage the liver and increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The recommended limit is no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Retain a healthy weight and diet to avoid diabetes and obesity, two conditions that increase the risk of liver cancer. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should all be a part of a balanced diet; processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats should be avoided.
Quit smoking, which can harm the liver and other organs, and increase the risk of many types of cancer. Quitting smoking can improve the health and quality of life of the smoker and those around them.
Get regular check-ups and screenings, which can detect liver cancer or liver problems early, when they are easier to treat. The screening tests may include blood tests, ultrasound, or other imaging tests, depending on the risk factors and symptoms of the patient.
