LIVER CANCER

Lets Go For Know About Liver Cancer

LIVER

The liver is a large organ in the abdomen that is responsible for several vital body processes, including filtering blood. It also qualifies as a gland because it produces important vitamins for the body. The liver can be harmed by several conditions and habits of living, but there are various strategies to protect this important organ.

CANCER

When abnormal cells develop out of control, cross their normal borders to infiltrate surrounding body parts and/or move to other organs, they are considered to be one of the many diseases known as cancer. Cancer can begin in practically any organ or tissue of the body.

What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer, also called hepatic cancer, is a type of cancer that is produced in the liver. The liver is an important organ located in the upper-right abdomen that plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification of harmful substances in the body. Liver cancer occurs when cells in the liver grow abnormally and form a mass or tumor.

“Live Healthy To Make Your Liver Healthy”

Type Of Liver Cancer

There are several types of liver cancer, but the most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 75% of all liver cancer cases. HCC typically develops in people with underlying liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Primary liver cancer

Primary cancer is a term used to describe cancer that develops in the liver. Primary liver cancer comes in various forms. It usually develops in people with underlying liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Other risk factors for primary liver cancer include excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride and aflatoxin.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type of liver cancer, accounting for about 75% of cases. It usually develops in people with underlying liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: This type of liver cancer begins in the bile ducts within the liver and can spread to other parts of the liver or nearby lymph nodes.
Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare type of liver cancer that usually affects children under the age of 5.
Angiosarcoma: This type of liver cancer begins in the blood vessels of the liver and can grow quickly.
Hemangiosarcoma: This is a rare type of liver cancer that starts in the blood vessels and can spread to other parts of the body.

Secondary Liver Cancer

Metastatic: When primary cancer spreads to another area of the body from its original site, metastatic disease occurs.

Colon or colorectal cancer is the primary cause of the majority of liver metastases. More than half of individuals with colorectal cancer go on to acquire liver cancer.

From the lung, breast, stomach, pancreas, kidney, esophagus, or skin, cancer can potentially travel to the liver. One of the most typical sites for cancer to spread is the liver.

Symptoms Of Liver Cancer

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer and how much the liver has been affected. In its initial stages, liver cancer may not have symptoms but can be seen or felt. As the cancer grows larger, people may notice one or more of these common symptoms of liver cancer. Its include:

Fatigue and weakness
Abdominal pain or swelling
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
Itching
Enlarged liver or spleen
Easy bruising or bleeding
White, chalky stools and dark urine.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or are at high risk for liver cancer, you should speak with your doctor to get evaluated.

Causes Of Liver Cancer

The exact cause of is not always clear, but there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, including:

Chronic hepatitis B or C infection: These viral infections can cause inflammation and damage to the liver, which can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Cirrhosis: This is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and damaged due to long-term inflammation or injury, such as from alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage over time. People with NAFLD are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long period of time can damage the liver and increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to chemicals such as aflatoxins (toxins produced by certain types of fungi) and vinyl chloride (used in the manufacture of plastics) can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Obesity and diabetes: These conditions can increase the risk of developing NAFLD, which in turn increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

It’s important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will develop liver cancer, and some people with liver cancer may not have any identifiable risk factors. If you are at high risk for liver cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor about regular screening and monitoring.

Diagnosis

This cancer can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, imaging tests, and biopsy. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to diagnose liver cancer:

Physical examination: The doctor will examine the abdomen to check for any signs of swelling, tenderness, or other abnormalities.
Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check liver function and look for tumor markers, which are substances produced by some types of cancer cells.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan can be used to create detailed images of the liver and surrounding organs to look for any abnormalities or signs of cancer.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. This can be done using a needle biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken with a thin needle guided by imaging tests.
Endoscopy: An endoscopy may be done to look at the esophagus and stomach to check for signs of cancer that may have spread to the liver.
Ultrasound: To check for liver cancer and monitor treatment results, this test may be advised every six to twelve months.

If liver cancer is diagnosed, further tests may be done to determine the stage of the cancer and how far it has spread.

Treatment

The treatment for cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other individual factors. Here are some common treatments used for liver cancer:

Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for liver cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue from the liver. A liver transplant can be an option in some conditions.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used in radiation treatment to eliminate cancer cells. It can be administered either before surgery to reduce the tumor or after to eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy for liver cancer may be given as a pill or injected into a vein.
Targeted therapy: Drugs used in targeted therapy specifically target chemicals that promote the growth of cancer cells..
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the body’s immune system fight cancer.
Palliative care: Palliative care is focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced liver cancer.

The best treatment plan for liver cancer depends on the individual patient’s circumstances. It’s important to visit healthcare professionals who specialize in liver cancer to determine the best treatment plan.

Summary

Liver cancer occurs when cells in the liver grow abnormally and form a mass or tumor. Liver cancer can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, imaging tests, and biopsy. The treatment for liver cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer. Regular screening and monitoring may also be recommended for those at high risk for liver cancer.