All About Liver Cancer: What You Need to Know

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a life-threatening condition that can have severe consequences if left untreated. It is caused by the rapid growth and division of abnormal liver cells, forming tumours and causing severe damage. 

It is important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of this serious condition so that it can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Types of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer can be either primary cancer or secondary cancer. Primary liver cancer means that it starts in the liver and is further divided into four types:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type of liver cancer in adults, and it begins when normal cells become abnormal and divide uncontrollably.

• Cholangiocarcinoma: This form of liver cancer begins in the bile ducts known as intrahepatic bile duct cancer, which is responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine.

• Angiosarcoma: This is a rare form of liver cancer that begins in the blood vessels of the liver.

• Hepatoblastoma: This type of liver cancer is most commonly found in children, and it begins in the immature cells of the liver.

Secondary liver cancer or liver metastases is different from primary liver cancer as it starts somewhere else in the body and then spreads to the liver. Secondary liver cancer forms through other organs or cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.

What are the First Signs of Liver Cancer?

 When it comes to the symptoms of liver cancer, they may vary from person to person depending on the type and severity of the condition, but the most common liver cancer symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Weight loss without trying

• Unexplained fever

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Loss of appetite

It is important to be aware of the warning signs of liver cancer, as early detection can help increase survival rates. If you have any of the above symptoms, consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional right away.

What Causes Liver Cancer?

The exact cause of liver cancer is unknown, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing liver cancer.

These include:

• Age (most common in people over age 55)

• Family history of liver cancer

• Obesity and diabetes

• Smoking

• Liver cirrhosis

• Long-term exposure to alcohol and other toxins

• Chronic viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis B and C)

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

• Inherited conditions such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease

By being aware and taking note of other risk factors, you can help to prevent and detect liver cancer early. Ask your healthcare professional about liver cancer screening if you are at high risk for developing this condition.

How to Treat Liver Cancer?

​Treatment for liver cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the tumour. Generally, treatments may include:

• Surgery to remove liver tumours

• Chemotherapy or radiation to destroy cancer cells

• Targeted therapy to block tumour growth and progression

• Immunotherapy or biological therapies to stimulate your immune system

• Targeted drug therapies (such as sorafenib)

• Radiation therapy

Additionally, a combination of these treatments may be used to treat the disease. However, in some cases, a liver transplant may also be recommended to treat more advanced stages of cancer. Get your doctor's advice on the right treatment options for you.

Conclusion

Liver cancer is a serious condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment for successful management. By understanding the types of liver cancer, possible causes, and symptoms, you can take steps to help prevent the disease and detect it early.

While living with liver cancer can be an overwhelming and difficult experience, it is important to seek out support from family, friends, and medical professionals to make living with this condition a little easier. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with this condition and to take proactive steps to protect your health and well-being.