Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, or hepatic cancer, is a cancer that starts in the liver cells. The liver is a key organ that aids in digestion, detoxification, and storage of nutrients. There are two main types of liver cancer:

Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma): This is the most common type of liver cancer and originates in the liver itself; it often arises from chronic conditions affecting the liver, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

Secondary liver cancer (metastatic liver cancer): This is cancer that starts from a different location in the body and metastasizes to the liver. Common examples of cancers that involve metastasis to the liver include colon cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Symptoms and Signs of Liver Cancer

As the cancer spreads or advances, symptoms of liver cancer are more likely to manifest.

• Among the common symptoms are fatigue and weakness.
• Abdominal pain
• abdominal swelling brought on by a fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Right shoulder pain
• feeling ill and losing appetite
• Loss of weight
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Pale bowel motions
• Fever

Risk Factors for Liver Cancer:

• Genetic conditions such as hemochromatosis, fatty liver disease, or insufficient alpha 1-antitrypsin
• Type 2 diabetes, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight
• Tobacco use
• Exposure to certain substances

Diagnosis:

Physicians may combine the following methods to identify liver cancer:

• Imaging tests: Liver biopsies, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
• Blood tests: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which can be increased in some forms of liver cancer, is checked for in blood tests.

Treatment:

The treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the liver's health, and whether the cancer has spread. Common treatment options include:

• Surgical resection: Removing the tumor from the liver, if it is localized and the liver function is still adequate.
• Liver transplant: In some cases, replacing the liver may be necessary.
• Ablation therapy: Using heat or cold to destroy the cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy or targeted therapy: In advanced cases, medication may be used to shrink or control the cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Although not as common for liver cancer, it can be used in certain situations.