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What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is cancer that occurs in the liver. The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body and performs various critical functions to keep the body free of toxins and harmful substances. The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, right below the ribs. It's responsible for producing bile, a substance that helps you digest fats, vitamins, and other nutrients.What are the different types of liver cancer?
The different types of liver cancer originate from the various cells that make up the liver. The main types of primary liver cancer are:- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Liver angiosarcoma
- Hepatoblastoma
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Many people don't experience symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. When symptoms do appear, they may include:- abdominal discomfort, pain, and tenderness
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, which is called jaundice
- white, chalky stools
- nausea
- vomiting
- bruising or bleeding easily
- weakness
- fatigue
Who is at risk for liver cancer?
Doctors aren't sure why some people get liver cancer while others don't. However, certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing liver cancer drugs:- Liver cancer is more common in people over age 50.
- A long-term hepatitis B or C infection can severely damage your liver.
- Having two or more alcoholic beverages every day over many years increases your risk for liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis is a form of liver damage in which healthy tissue is replaced by scarred tissue.
- Diabetes and obesity are also risk factors. People with diabetes tend to be overweight or obese, which can cause liver problems and increase the risk for liver cancer.
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Diagnostic tests and procedures for liver cancer include the following:- Liver function tests help your doctor determine your liver's health by measuring levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood.
- The presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the blood can be a sign of liver cancer. This protein is usually only produced in the liver and yolk sac of babies before they're born.
- Abdominal CT or MRI scans produce detailed images of the liver and other organs in the abdomen. They can allow your doctor to pinpoint where a tumor is developing, determine its size, and assess whether it has spread to other organs.
How is liver cancer treated?
Treatment for liver cancer varies. It depends on:- the number, size, and location of the tumors in the liver
- how well the liver is functioning
- whether cirrhosis is present
- whether the tumor has spread to other organs
- Hepatectomy
- Liver transplant
- Ablation
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
