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Liver cancer is one of the fastest-growing types of cancer. Some liver cancers develop in the bile ducts within the liver. The severity of liver cancer depends on where it is located in the liver, how large it is, whether it has spread, whether it is primary or secondary, and on your overall health condition. The treatment approach is determined accordingly.
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is known as a malignant type of cancer that develops in the liver. Cancer can occur in any part of the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in hepatocytes. If liver diseases are left untreated, they may progress. In such cases, the liver may fail to perform its essential functions in the body. These include converting fats into energy when needed, storing nutrients, and producing bile to support digestion.
Types of liver cancer
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
It is the most common type of liver cancer. It accounts for up to 85% of primary liver cancer cases. It is more prevalent in advanced ages and men. Other types of liver cancer include cholangiocarcinoma, which begins in cells of the bile ducts; angiosarcoma (or hemangiosarcoma), which starts in blood vessels of the liver; and hepatoblastoma, which is very rare and usually affects children.
What are Liver Cancer Symptoms?
As is the case with most other cancers, liver cancer is also asymptomatic in the early stages. The following symptoms may develop in advanced stages. In this case, you should necessarily visit your doctor.
- Weight loss with no apparent reason
- Lack of appetite
- Pain in the right upper corner of the abdominal cavity
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Yellow discoloration of skin and sclera
- Fullness and feeling of swelling after a meal
- Pale or clay-colored stool (putty stool)
- Itching
- Chronic hepatitis or sudden worsening of cirrhosis
- Fever and abnormal sweating
Risk Factors For Liver Cancer
Liver cancer occurs as a result of damage to the DNA of healthy liver cells. DNA contains genes that instruct cells on how to function. Many environmental and genetic factors play a role in the development of liver cancer. The risk factors can be listed as follows:
- Chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Cirrhosis
- Exposure to aflatoxin in foods
- Family history
- Age
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Abnormal fat deposition in the liver
- Smoking
- Exposure to certain chemical substances
Liver Cancer Diagnostic Methods
Routine health examination and physical examination done when one visits a doctor for a complaint are the first steps in diagnosing liver cancer. Palpable liver in the abdominal exam, jaundice of skin and eyes, abnormal abdominal convexity, resultant effacement of the belly button, and loss of hair in abdominal skin point to a problem in the liver.If the imaging studies (Ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET) that are ordered to investigate findings suspicious for liver cancer show a mass, a provisional diagnosis is made.
Blood tests may also give clues that may reveal abnormalities in the functions of the liver. The definitive diagnosis of liver cancer requires a biopsy. A thin needle is inserted into the liver under the guidance of an imaging modality, mainly ultrasound, and a biopsy specimen is taken and examined.
Treatment of Liver Cancer
After liver cancer is diagnosed, the first step is to determine the stage (I–IV). The stage shows how large the tumor is, where it is located, and whether it has spread. Treatment is then planned according to stage, age, general health, and personal preferences.
Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Medicines can be given by mouth or intravenously. Treatment is usually given in cycles, with rest periods in between. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mouth sores, and hair loss. Doctors may adjust the treatment or switch drugs if side effects are severe.
Targeted Therapy
Newer medicines that attack specific mutations in cancer cells. Before starting, cancer cells are tested in the lab to see if these drugs will work.
Radiotherapy
Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be external (beams from outside the body) or internal (radioactive material placed near the tumor). In advanced stages, radiotherapy helps reduce pain, breathing problems, or cough. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be used for very small tumors.
Local Treatments
Techniques like ablation (destroying cells by heat, cold, or alcohol) and chemoembolization (injecting chemotherapy directly into the tumor) may be used depending on the tumor’s type and location.
Surgery
If possible, surgeons remove the tumor with some surrounding liver tissue. In some cases, one lobe of the liver is removed. For patients with widespread disease, a liver transplant may be the only option.
Supportive Care
Alongside these treatments, patients may receive rehabilitation, pain management, and supportive therapies. Asking questions about treatment options, recovery, and clinical studies helps patients actively take part in their care and reduce anxiety.
Prevention
As is the case for all other cancers, prevention of liver cancer is also to eliminate or minimize manageable risks. It is substantially important to maintain a healthy weight, consumes alcohol reasonably, decrease the use of chemical substances, get vaccinated for hepatitis (Hepatitis B), avoid factors that cause hepatitis C, such as tattoos, unprotected sex, and illicit drugs, and minimize the risks that may cause liver injury, such as cirrhosis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Cancer
What is one of the first signs of liver cancer?
The initial symptoms of liver cancer may include weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, general weakness and fatigue, abdominal swelling, jaundice causing yellowing of the eyes and skin, and pale, clay-colored stools.
Does liver cancer spread fast?
Liver cancer can spread rapidly depending on the area where it develops and its type. Hemangiosarcoma and angiosarcoma tend to spread quickly, whereas hepatocellular carcinoma usually spreads in the later stages of the disease.
Is Stage 4 liver cancer painful?
The most common symptoms observed in stage 4 liver cancer include abdominal pain, pain near the right shoulder blade, loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea.
Can stress cause liver cancer?
Stress is generally associated with various factors such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, panic attacks, indigestion, and depression. It may also lead to several liver-related problems, including chronic hepatitis, NAFLD, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Which department should be consulted for liver cancer?
In cases of suspected or diagnosed liver cancer, the appropriate department to visit is Gastroenterology. General Surgery also plays a role in the surgical treatment of liver tumors.
