Cancer is a major health problem worldwide, and each type requires different treatment and management strategies. Liver cancer is a type of cancer that usually originates from liver cells and is a common health problem worldwide. Liver cancer can have serious consequences, especially if not diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, it is important to see a healthcare professional immediately if there are any suspicious symptoms or risk factors.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Cancer refers to a large group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of body cells. Liver cancer is a type of cancer that originates specifically from liver cells. For the question of how to understand liver cancer, the symptoms of liver cancer are as follows:
- Stomach ache
- Weight loss
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal swelling
- Liver mass
What are the causes of liver cancer?
Liver cancer occurs as a result of a combination of many different factors. The most important risk factors are:
- Hepatitis B and C viruses can damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis and cancer.
- Alcohol can damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis and cancer.
- Obesity and Diabetes can lead to fatty liver and cirrhosis.
- People with a family history of liver cancer are at higher risk.
- Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., aflatoxins, vinyl chloride) may increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Some metabolic diseases such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease can damage the liver and lead to cancer.
How is liver cancer treated?
Liver cancer treatment varies depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s general health status, and the size and location of the tumor. The methods used in liver treatment are:
- Surgical: The cancerous tissue is removed with surgery.
- Transport: If the entire liver is cancerous or its functions are impaired, a transplant may be necessary.
- Chemotherapy: Medicine is used to kill cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy: Tumor cells are destroyed with high-energy rays.
- Targeted therapies: The drug is selected according to the molecular characteristics of the tumor.
- Cryoablation: Tumor cells are killed by the freezing method.
- Radioembolization: Radioactive microspheres are injected into the tumor’s bloodstream.