Overview

The liver is one of the vital organs of the human body. The major function of this organ is to process the blood passing through the intestines and stomach. It filters toxins and waste material. This waste material is secreted from the liver as bile juice. Any obstruction in this process can cause damage to the liver and lead to different liver issues.

What is liver cancer?

Cancer that starts in the liver is called liver cancer. The condition damages the functioning of the liver, ceasing the process of blood purification. If identified at the right time, the situation can be handled with the help of the required medication and treatment. But, delayed diagnosis may result in deteriorated condition.

The seriousness of liver cancer depends upon the stage of the condition. The cancerous cells can be found in the liver or pass from other organs to the liver. It can damage a vast part of the organ if the symptoms aren’t timely and accurately identified.

Types of Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer is primarily divided into Primary Liver Cancer and Secondary Liver Cancer. The former begins in the tissues of the liver or where cancer starts. The latter is a form of cancer where cancer cells break and grow in other parts of the body. In addition, both forms are further segregated into four more types. Mentioned below are the different types of liver cancer:

Primary Liver Cancer Types:

- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
- Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma
- Hepatoblastoma

Secondary Liver Cancer Types:

- Benign liver tumours
- Hemangioma
- Hepatic adenoma
- Focal nodular hyperplasia

Causes of Liver Cancer

There are several liver cancer causes. Certain conditions and behaviours may increase the risk of liver cancer. Mentioned below are some of the common causes observed of liver cancer:

- Alcohol- As per WHO, alcohol consumption is the most important risk factor for liver cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption leads to an increased risk of developing liver cancer.
- Obesity- Obesity is one of the prominent risk factors for liver cancer. The fatty tissues of the liver of obese people may cause inflammation and lower insulin resistance resulting in a high risk of liver cancer. Therefore, having a healthy and active lifestyle is advised by doctors for obese people.
- Smoking- Smoking is a leading cause of liver cancer and the root of many other health issues. The harmful chemicals of cigarettes are responsible for various forms of cancer in the human body.
- Diabetes- Diabetes is among the most common health issues in people. It can lead to major health problems if not treated promptly. People with Type 2 Diabetes are more at risk of getting affected by liver cancer. Hence, diabetic people are strictly advised to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid such health issues.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

It isn’t easy to identify the symptoms of liver cancer. The disease begins with everyday health problems, usually taken very lightly. But, if these health issues are ignored, they might grow into other health problems. Mentioned below are the visible and initial stages of liver cancer:

- Ascites- Abrupt swelling of the belly is known as ascites. It happens in the case of liver cancer due to the build-up of fluids inside the liver. A liver filled with fluid leads to the growth of the liver in size, resulting in a swollen tummy.
- Tiredness- Feeling tired and weak all the time is another symptom of liver cancer. Many people also experience fatigue and confusion. The condition usually happens in secondary liver cancer.
- Loss of Appetite- Liver cancer causes swelling of the liver. Hence, an individual usually feels full. In addition, liver cancer enlarges the liver and pushes the stomach outside.
- Easy Bleeding and Bruising- Liver cancer also lowers the blood platelet count. As a result, it leads to easy bleeding and bruising of body parts. The condition is known as thrombocytopenia.

Treatment Options for Liver Cancer

Though liver cancer is fatal if not treated in its initial stages, it can be cured with proper treatment and medication. Mentioned below are some of the treatment options for liver cancer depending on the current health situation of the patient:

- Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy is often used alongside surgical interventions to treat liver cancer. Current chemotherapies include systemic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin. These medications are used to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumour growth.
- Surgery- Surgery is a reliable and valuable treatment for liver cancer. Several surgical procedures can be used to remove tumours, including resection, hepatic transplant, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and microwave ablation. These treatments effectively treat early-stage tumours without needing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. However, they should be used with caution in advanced stages of liver cancer, as they can further the disease's progression.
- Targeted Drug Therapy- It is a recent development in treating liver cancer. It uses specially-designed drugs to target specific cancer cell components rather than killing them indiscriminately, such as traditional chemotherapies. This therapy also involves the administration of monoclonal antibodies, which can help to slow down or stop cell division and tumour growth.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Oncology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Liver cancer can be fatal if not diagnosed at the right time. Today advanced medicine and treatment options have made it possible to heal complex health issues. In addition, necessary lifestyle changes and required treatment and medications help treat the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is liver cancer? A. Cancer caused in the liver due to various causes or passing of cancerous cells due to cancer in other parts of the body is known as liver cancer.

Q. What are the types of liver cancer? A. Majorly, liver cancer is divided into primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer. The types are further divided into different other forms.

Q. What are the causes of liver cancer? A. Excessive smoking and drinking alcohol, obesity, and diabetes are some of the significant causes of liver cancer.

Q. What are the symptoms of liver cancer? A. Some visible and primary symptoms of liver cancer are a swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, fatigue, jaundice, and many similar health issues.

References

- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/about/what-is-liver-cancer.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/liver/index.htm
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/smoking-and-cancer/how-does-smoking-cause-cancer
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/oesophageal-cancer/treatment/advanced-treatment/ascites-oesophageal/about