Cancer, and especially liver cancer, are complex diseases that require a multidisciplinary approach. Liver cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, which allows the disease to progress. However, symptoms such as pain in the abdominal area, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice and deterioration in liver functions may occur in later stages. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer is vital. Cancer awareness, regular health checks and healthy lifestyle habits can strengthen individuals’ and society’s defenses against cancer.
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is a type of cancer characterized by abnormal growth and proliferation of liver cells. This cancer can often be confused with symptoms of other diseases or may be asymptomatic in the early stages. The liver is an organ that has important functions in the body, such as metabolism, cleansing toxins, and playing a role in digestion, and when cancer starts here, it can cause serious health problems.
It is known that liver cancer is generally associated with risk factors such as chronic hepatitis infections (type B and C hepatitis), cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, obesity, and diabetes. Diagnosis is usually made by imaging tests and blood tests, and treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and radioembolization.
What causes liver cancer?
Although the specific cause of liver cancer is not clearly identified, some factors may increase the risk of liver cancer. Chronic viral hepatitis infections, such as type B and C hepatitis, can increase the risk of liver cancer by damaging liver cells and causing persistent inflammation. Fibrosis and scar tissue formation in chronically damaged liver tissue causes a condition called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can also seriously increase the risk of liver cancer.
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, which can increase the risk of liver cancer. Obesity and diabetes can cause fatty liver and inflammation in the liver. These conditions may also increase the risk of liver cancer. Genetic conditions that cause iron overload, such as hemochromatosis, may increase the risk of liver cancer. These factors may increase the risk of liver cancer, but the cause of the cancer may be different in each case. Most of the time, the combination of more than one factor may be effective in the development of liver cancer.
How to tell if you have liver cancer?
Symptoms of liver cancer can often be vague or confused with other liver diseases in the early stages. However, symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and abdominal swelling may increase the suspicion of liver cancer. Symptoms of liver cancer usually appear as the disease progresses or as the liver grows. Symptoms of liver cancer may include:
- As liver cancer grows, there may be discomfort or pain in the abdominal area.
- Liver cancer may cause swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdominal area due to the enlargement of the liver.
- Sudden loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss may be among the symptoms of liver cancer.
- Liver cancer can sometimes cause digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting.
- Liver cancer can cause symptoms of jaundice as a result of blockage of the bile ducts. In this case, yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur.
- Liver cancer can affect the body’s energy levels and cause symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.
These symptoms may be associated with liver cancer, but these symptoms may also be associated with other health problems. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have such symptoms. Imaging tests and blood tests may often be required for a definitive diagnosis.
Where does it hurt in liver cancer?
Liver cancer usually does not cause symptoms or pain in the early stages. The liver itself does not feel pain because there are no pain receptors in the liver. However, when liver cancer progresses or grows, discomfort, pain or a feeling of pressure in the abdominal area may occur. Pain or discomfort may be felt on the right side of the upper abdomen, especially as the liver grows or begins to put pressure on nearby tissues.
However, symptoms of liver cancer can often be confused with symptoms of other diseases or symptoms may be vague in the early stages, so abdominal pain alone is not a sign of liver cancer. It is important to consult a healthcare professional with any concerns.
Where does liver cancer spread first?
Liver cancer usually first starts and grows in the liver. However, in later stages or as the cancer progresses, liver cancer may metastasize to surrounding tissues or other organs. It can spread especially to the lymph nodes or lungs. When liver cancer spreads, the lymph nodes and lungs can often be the first areas affected. In this case, patients may often show symptoms such as swelling in the lymph nodes, shortness of breath in the lungs, and cough. The pattern of cancer spread may be different in each case, which may affect treatment options.