A vitally important body organ, liver is located in the upper right corner of the abdominal cavity and carries out such critical functions as filtering the blood, the production of bile and nutrients metabolism. Liver cancer occurs when the liver cells grow in an uncontrollable manner thus presenting a situation that requires cancer to be detected early and properly treated by an expert.

 

Cancer of the liver is one of the highly growing cancer types in the world. It may happen to any individual but some of the risk factors predispose individuals so much. Guiding signs of liver cancer and causes include the ability to understand the early signs of liver cancer and help in intervening on time, increased effectiveness, and enhanced quality of life.

 

Types of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer comes in various forms, and the most prevalent are:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)- This arises in the primary liver cells (hepatocytes). It is a primary liver cancer of the most common type.
  • Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma- This is also referred to as bile duct cancer and it begins in the bile ducts located in the liver.
  • Hepatoblastoma-The occurrence of this type is unusual mostly in children.
  • Secondary (Metastatic) cancer- The cancer begins in some other body part and then migrates to the liver.

Liver Cancer Early Symptoms

Liver cancer tends not to produce symptoms at the early stages. The disease however may have a number of indicators when it advances. Early recognition of these can make a lot of difference in the treatment success.

 

The following are some of the symptoms associated with liver cancer:

 

  • Unexplained weight loss: Lifestyle changes such as eating healthy and working out not resulting in loss of weight is a warning sign.
  • Anorexia: A sudden lack of interest in food or the quick feeling of being filled up.
  • Fatigue or weakness: Tiredness that lasts a long time and does not get better with rest.
  • Bleeding: Voiding of black tarry stool.
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice): It is one of the common signs of liver dysfunction.
  • Vomiting and Nausea
  • Discoloration of urine and stool (dark and light respectively)
  • Pain or discomfort in abdominal right upper part, particularly beneath the ribs where the liver is situated.
  • Itchy skin
  • Noninfectious fever

 

It should be noted that some of these liver cancer causes might be shared with other liver diseases. An in-depth diagnosis should be made to find out the underlying cause.

Causes/Risk Factors Of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a malignancy of liver cells. When cancerous changes (mutation) in the DNA take place, it results in liver cancer. DNA is the genetic code that guides all chemicals activities in the body. The mutations interfere with the right instructions so that the cells divide uncontrollably to form a tumor which is a collection of cancerous cells. 

 

The cause is identifiable in given instances like chronic hepatitis infections. Nevertheless, liver cancer may also occur in patients who do not have any underlying liver disease and in this case, the cause is not obvious either.

 

Liver cancer can get enhanced by several lifestyle, genetic and environmental issues. Being aware of them is beneficial as it allows people to know some preventative measures or consult with a doctor earlier.

 

1. Chronic HB or C Infection

The major cause of liver cancer in the world is a long time infection by hepatitis B or C virus. Such viruses are capable of inflaming the liver and causing its scarring (cirrhosis), and ultimately they may result in cancer.

 

2. Cirrhosis

The biggest risk factor is cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver tissue. It may be caused by persistent alcohol use, non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or by hepatitis.

 

3. Alcohol Abuse

Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption causes severe liver damage to the cells and leads to cirrhosis which is a precursor to liver cancer.

 

4. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Individuals who are obese, diabetic or metabolic syndrome patients have elevated chances of getting fatty liver, which develops into cirrhosis and subsequently cancer.

 

5. Aflatoxin Exposure

Aflatoxins are toxins that grow in grains and nuts when the foodstuffs are stored under the wrong conditions. There is a possibility of liver cancer with long term exposures.

 

6. Liver Diseases that are Genetic

Diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson disease (condition which interfere with the way in which the body metabolizes iron and copper) may be associated with liver damage and increase the cancer risk.

 

7. Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has also been found to have some potential risks of developing liver cancer that can be exacerbated by other risks such as obesity or chronic liver disease.

 

8. Smoking

The possibility of incurring liver cancer has been associated with tobacco use among both men and women.

 

9. ABS use Anabolic Steroid Use

There is a risk of liver cancer on the use of anabolic steroids by athletes or bodybuilders due to long term use.

When should go to a doctor?

In case you or your loved one is undergoing continuous symptoms such as abdominal pains, jaundice, or unintentional weight loss, do contact a medical practitioner soon. Early detection can be done via imaging (CT, MRI etc..) and testing of blood (AFP- Alpha- fetoprotein).

 

In patients who have a history of liver disease or other risk factors, it is important to include regular monitoring of liver function even in the case of an absence of symptoms.

Diagnosis of the Liver cancer

Diagnosis is usually made by the means of:-

 

  • Blood tests- The liver function tests and the tumor marker (AFP).
  • Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is used to detect tumors.
  • In select instances a liver biopsy may also be needed to confirm the same.
  • Staging -The process helps in identifying the amount of spread of cancer which assists in coming up with the treatment strategy.

Treatment Options

Liver cancer treatment is dictated by the type and stage of the cancer and the comprehensive health of the liver in such a patient. Options include:

 

  • Resection- The tumor is surgically removed.
  • Liver transplantation
  • Radiofrequency of microwave ablation Ablation procedures
  • Blocking of blood supply to the tumor by use of embolization
  • Immunotherapy and targeted therapies that involve the use of drugs
  • Radiation therapy
  • Minimal invasive & Robotic surgeries with precision

Conclusion

Liver cancer is a fatal disease, however, early case detection and the presence of highly effective treatment methods lead to the fact that many patients can have good results. By watching symptoms, controlling risk factors and receiving the assistance of skilled professionals, one can make a mark in terms of recovery and health in the long-run.

 

Our team of experts led by Dr. Ajay Yadav who is popularly known as the Best Gastro Surgeon in Lucknow, implements accurate, safe, and innovative treatment measures in liver and gastrointestinal diseases. It could be a simple removal of the gallbladder or a complicated operation on cancer, in both cases we strive to provide loving care with assuring outcomes.

 

Get in touch with Dr. Ajay Yadav today to book your consultation and take a confident step toward a healthier liver.