Getting diagnosed with liver cancer can be a profoundly emotional and overwhelming experience for both patients and their loved ones. That said, if diagnosed at an early stage, liver cancer can be managed and treated. That’s why it is important to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for liver cancer, so that suitable remedial measures can be taken while there is time. To help, in this article, we delve into the early warning signs of liver cancer, its risk factors, and the latest advancements in treatment options. But first, let’s cover some basics.
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What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a condition where cells in the liver grow uncontrollably and form tumours. The liver, located in the upper right part of the abdomen, is crucial for detoxifying the blood, producing vital proteins, and aiding in digestion. When liver cancer occurs, the normal liver cells mutate and grow abnormally, which can interfere with the liver’s ability to perform its essential functions. As the cancer progresses, it can disrupt the liver’s ability to process nutrients, filter toxins from the blood, and produce bile, which is necessary for digestion. This can result in an array of symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
How Common is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is relatively common and is considered a major global health concern. Its prevalence varies widely depending on geographic location, primarily due to the differences in the underlying risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol consumption, and exposure to aflatoxins. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Who is at a High Risk of Developing Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer affects various groups differently:
Geographical distribution: It is more prevalent in regions with high rates of chronic hepatitis B and C infections, such as East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South America.
Age and gender: Liver cancer is more commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, and men are significantly more likely to develop liver cancer compared to women.
Risk factors: Individuals with chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or those who consume large amounts of alcohol, are at a higher risk.
Exposure to toxins: Long-term exposure to certain toxins such as aflatoxins can increase the risk of liver cancer.
Lifestyle and health: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are also associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, highlighting the role of metabolic health in the development of this disease.
Understanding these factors is crucial for early detection, prevention, and effective treatment of liver cancer.
What are the Types of Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer can be broadly classified into two categories: Primary and secondary, both having several subtypes. Here’s an overview:
- Primary Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer originates in the liver itself. There are several types of primary liver cancer, including:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type of liver cancer, which arises from hepatocytes, the main liver cells. It is often associated with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C, and cirrhosis.
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): This type of liver cancer starts in the bile ducts within the liver and represents a smaller percentage of liver cancers. It is often linked to chronic inflammation of the bile ducts.
Angiosarcoma/Hemangiosarcoma: These are rare forms of liver cancer originating from the blood vessels in the liver and are known for rapid growth and spread. Its risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals like vinyl chloride and thorium dioxide.
Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare type of liver cancer that typically affects children under the age of 3. It is often treated successfully with surgery and chemotherapy if detected early.
- Secondary Liver Cancer
Secondary liver cancer, also known as metastatic liver cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread to the liver from another part of the body. Unlike primary liver cancer, which originates in the liver, secondary liver cancer begins in another organ and then metastasizes (spreads) to the liver.
Key Characteristics of Secondary Liver Cancer:
Origin of cancer cells: Secondary liver cancer is characterised by the presence of cancer cells that are identical to those found in the primary tumour site. For instance, if breast cancer spreads to the liver, the cancer cells in the liver are breast cancer cells, not liver cancer cells.
Common primary sites: The liver is a common site for metastasis due to its rich blood supply and its role in filtering blood from various parts of the body. Common primary sites that metastasize to the liver include colon and rectum (colorectal cancer), breast, lungs, pancreas, and stomach.
Key Characteristics of Secondary Liver Cancer:
Origin of cancer cells: Secondary liver cancer is characterised by the presence of cancer cells that are identical to those found in the primary tumour site. For instance, if breast cancer spreads to the liver, the cancer cells in the liver are breast cancer cells, not liver cancer cells.
Common primary sites: The liver is a common site for metastasis due to its rich blood supply and its role in filtering blood from various parts of the body. Common primary sites that metastasize to the liver include colon and rectum (colorectal cancer), breast, lungs, pancreas, and stomach.