Understanding Liver Cancer

Understanding Liver Cancer

What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer can be primary, originating in liver cells, or secondary, spreading from other parts of the body. Primary liver cancers are relatively uncommon but are on the rise.

Types of Liver Cancer

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): The most common type, starting in hepatocytes, the main liver cells.

• Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile duct cancer): Starts in cells lining the bile ducts.

• Angiosarcoma: A rare type starting in blood vessels, more common in people over 70.

Symptoms
Symptoms may appear as the cancer progresses, including abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, fatigue, and right shoulder pain.

Risk Factors
Major risk factors include chronic Hepatitis B or C, alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests include liver function tests, tumor markers, imaging tests like CT, MRI, PET scans, and biopsies.

Treatment Options
Treatment options depend on the cancer stage, including surgery, liver transplants, ablation, targeted radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.

Prevention
Liver cancer is highly preventable through Hepatitis B vaccination, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding alcohol abuse.