The main causes of Liver cancer include the Hepatitis B virus and alcohol abuse. We'll tell you how this cancer develops, its risk factors, and treatment.
Liver Cancer and Its Treatment
Liver cancer can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Treatment involves radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery to remove the tumor. The work of the liver in the body involves:
Filter toxins from the blood
Produce bile for digestion
Store energy
Regulate hormones
When cancer begins in the liver, it is usually caused by a tumor that has spread from another organ, such as the colon. The most common symptom of liver cancer is a lump or pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
What Causes Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is caused by different factors that include:
Hepatitis B or C viruses infection
Long-term alcohol abuse
Exposure to certain chemicals
Inherited genetic conditions such as hemochromatosis or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Obesity, diabetes, and certain dietary factors
People with a history of liver disease are also at increased risk
Individuals with a family history of liver cancer
What Are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, as symptoms are often absent. Common signs and symptoms of liver cancer may include:
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain or swelling in the area around your liver
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice (The skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow)
Itching
Enlarged blood vessels on the skin
Ascites (Fluid buildup in the abdomen)
Unusual fatigue
White nails
Presence of abnormal-looking blood vessels on the liver surface
Swelling of the legs and ankles
Fever
Changes in stool color
How to Prevent Liver Cancer?
You may take several measures to minimize the risk of developing liver cancer.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver cirrhosis, a major risk factor for developing liver cancer.
Avoid certain medications and recreational drugs as they can damage the liver.
Keep your vaccinations up to date, as being vaccinated against certain viruses such as hepatitis B and C can help reduce your risk.
Take a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. A healthy lifestyle, such as a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat, is recommended.
Limit your intake of processed meats, as this increases the risk of liver cancer.
Get regular checkups and screenings to monitor your liver health. That can help detect potential problems or cancers early and allow treatment to begin immediately.
Take the time to understand these recommendations and talk with a doctor about any questions or concerns about your risk of developing liver cancer. Adhering to these preventive steps can help maintain a healthy liver and minimize the cancer risk.
How to Treat Liver Cancer
Treating liver cancer depends largely on the stage of the disease.
Surgery and Ablation Therapy
Early-stage liver cancer, generally defined as tumor(s) smaller than five centimeters, is usually treated with surgery and ablation therapy. Surgery can involve removing the tumor or a portion of the liver, depending on the size and number of tumors present. Ablation therapy involves destroying the tumor with heat, cold, or chemicals.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Treatment for more advanced liver cancer may include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor(s). That is in addition to surgery or ablation. Systemic chemotherapy, which is a type of drug treatment that circulates through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells anywhere in the body, may also be used.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are two other forms of liver cancer treatment. It involves boosting the body’s natural defenses or using drugs to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
The best course of treatment for liver cancer is determined on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Factors that may influence the decision include:
Cancer stage
Overall health and lifestyle
Patient preferences
Potential side effects associated with each treatment
Liver Cancer Is Not a Death Sentence
Liver cancer is a life-threatening condition, but not necessarily a death sentence. Some people with liver cancer can be cured if the cancer is detected early. Even when a cure is not possible, treatments can help to relieve symptoms and extend life expectancy.
