Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a serious disease that begins in the cells of the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins, producing bile for digestion, and regulating nutrients in the blood. Liver cancer can develop when liver cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. While liver cancer can originate in the liver (primary liver cancer), it may also spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic liver cancer). At Digestive System Healthcare, our specialists provide advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help manage liver cancer effectively.
What Causes Liver Cancer?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, including:
- Chronic liver infections: Long-term infections such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C are significant risk factors.
- Cirrhosis: This condition, marked by scarring of the liver, is often caused by alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulation in the liver can progress to cirrhosis, increasing cancer risk.
- Aflatoxin exposure: Consuming foods contaminated with aflatoxins, a type of mold toxin, can increase the risk.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Long-term alcohol abuse damages the liver and raises the likelihood of cancer.
- Family history: Having a family history of liver cancer can also elevate the risk.
What are Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer may not show symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, you might experience:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in the legs
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing liver cancer involves a combination of tests and evaluations to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage. These may include:
- Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will evaluate symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any history of liver conditions.
- Blood tests: These tests, including liver function tests and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, can indicate liver abnormalities.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs can identify liver tumors and assess their size and spread.
- Liver biopsy: A small tissue sample from the liver may be collected and analyzed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
What are the Treatment Options for Liver Cancer?
The treatment approach for liver cancer depends on its stage, type, and the patient’s overall health. Options include:
- Surgery:
- Liver resection: Removing the tumor and part of the liver in patients with good liver function.
- Liver transplant: Replacing the diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.
- Ablation therapy: Techniques like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) destroy cancer cells without surgery.
- Targeted therapy: Medications that target specific cancer cells to slow or stop their growth.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing.
- Palliative care: Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in advanced stages.