Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer Overview

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, arises from the liver, one of the largest organs in the body situated in the upper right portion of the abdomen. It plays a vital role in filtering blood, removing toxins, and metabolizing nutrients. Liver cancer is among the more serious cancers due to its vital function and its ability to spread rapidly                                      

Types of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is primarily classified into two main types:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC):
  
  • This is the most common form of liver cancer, originating from hepatocytes, the main liver cells. It can occur as a single tumor that grows larger or as small nodules within the liver.
• Cholangiocarcinoma:
  
  • Also known as bile duct cancer, it develops in the small, tube-like bile ducts within the liver that carry bile to the gallbladder. Though less common, it is particularly aggressive.

Other less common types include hepatoblastoma, a rare cancer mostly affecting children, and angiosarcoma, which originates from the blood vessels of the liver.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages of liver cancer. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

• Weight loss without trying
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• General weakness and fatigue
• Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Itching
• White, chalky stools

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing liver cancer include:

• Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV):
  
  • The most significant risk factors globally
• Cirrhosis:
  
  • Increases liver cancer risk, irrespective of the underlying cause
• Alcohol consumption:
  
  • Heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis, subsequently increasing the risk of liver cancer.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:
  
  • Related to diet and body weight.
• Aflatoxin exposure: 
  
  • Toxins produced by molds growing on stored crops, which can contaminate nuts and grains.
• Certain Inherited liver diseases: 
  

Diagnosis

Diagnosis often involves multiple approaches:

• Surgical resection:
  
  • Removal of the tumor along with a portion of healthy liver
• Liver transplant:
  
  • Suitable for small tumors when cancer has not spread outside the liver.
• Ablation therapy:
  
  • Destroys tumors without removing them, using heat, cold, or alcohol.
• Embolisation Therapy:
  
  • Involves injecting substances to block or reduce the blood flow to cancer cells in the liver.
• Targeted Drug Therapy: 
  
  • Focuses on specific abnormalities present within cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy 
  
  • Uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Radiation Therapy 
  
  • Sometimes used to help relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

Liver cancer presents significant challenges due to its critical function and the complexity of treatment. Early detection and intervention remain key to improving survival rates, alongside managing risk factors such as hepatitis infections and liver cirrhosis. In the UK, numerous resources are available to support individuals dealing with liver cancer, from medical treatment to supportive care.

 Cancer Portal

Support & Resources