ALL ABOUT LIVER CANCER Cancer beginning in the liver, which is the largest internal organ of the body, is referred to as liver cancer. In the first stage, it is stated as primary liver cancer. However, there are other types and subtypes as well, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, bile duct cancer, angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma, hepatoblastoma, Hemangioma, Hepatic adenoma, and Focal nodular hyperplasia. Although it can be diagnosed at both primary or metastatic stages, most liver cancer cases account for the second type.
Causes of liver cancer: Liver cancer can be triggered due to a number of causes, but the most important one is chronic infection from Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus. These types of infections cause cirrhosis, which ultimately acts as the main cause of making the liver cancerous. Other than that, inherited liver diseases like diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and exposure to aflatoxins also contribute to the risk factors. Last but not least, excessive consumption of alcohol has a significant role to play here. Usually, in the early stages of liver cancer, there are little to zero symptoms, but patients may experience: ADVERTISING • • • • •
gastrointestinal problems like bloating, nausea, or vomiting loss of appetite and fatigue weight loss yellow skin and eyes pain in the abdominal area
Usually, imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs are useful in detecting liver cancer, but a biopsy is required in some cases.
Treatment procedures for liver cancer •
Surgery: Liver transplant or surgical resection of the tumor is one of the most commonly approached treatment options. Partial hysterectomy and liver transplant have their own risk factors like bleeding or infection, but the pros and cons will be measured before opting for it.