They are malignant tumors that form in liver cells. They are usually called hepatocellular carcinoma. They can be primary or secondary. Primary cancer originates from the liver's own cells. Secondary cancer is metastatic tumors that spread from other organs. Liver cancer Risk factors include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. Early diagnosis is important. Treatment is surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Liver Cancer Symptoms
Pain may be felt in the upper right abdomen where the liver is located. There may be a feeling of swelling or fullness in the abdomen. Patients often experience loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss. The skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to the liver's inability to process bilirubin. Chronic fatigue may occur that makes daily activities difficult. Urine may darken and stool may become lighter in color due to increased bilirubin levels.
A generalized itching of the skin may be a result of liver dysfunction. Easy bruising and bleeding may occur due to blood clotting problems. A mass may be felt in the abdomen due to an enlarged liver. Unexplained fever liver cancer These symptoms are not limited to cancer and may also be associated with other diseases. In suspicious cases, it is very important to see a doctor for early diagnosis.
What Causes Liver Cancer?
Chronic HBV and HCV infection causes inflammation in liver cells. This process, liver cancer increases the risk of developing it. These infections are among the most common causes of cancer worldwide. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is damaged and covered with scar tissue. Cirrhosis can be caused by conditions such as alcohol abuse, long-term viral infections and fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis significantly increases the likelihood of developing cancer. Excessive and long-term alcohol consumption damages liver cells and can lead to cirrhosis. Alcohol-induced cirrhosis increases the risk. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with conditions such as obesity and diabetes. This condition can progress to liver inflammation and cirrhosis, which can lead to cancer.
Aflatoxin is a toxic substance produced by molds. It can be found especially in poorly stored grains and nuts. Long-term exposure to aflatoxin increases the risk of developing it. The risk may increase in individuals with a family history of this condition. Genetic diseases such as hemochromatosis cause iron accumulation in the liver. It leads to cancer. Long-term exposure to chemicals such as arsenic and vinyl chloride causes damage to liver cells. Smoking increases the risk of this condition as well as the general risk of cancer. Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, liver cancer may increase the risk of developing. Conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity may also have an impact on its development.
How Is Liver Cancer Treated?
The cancerous area is surgically removed. This method is used in cases where the cancer is limited to the liver and the healthy part of the diseased liver is sufficient. If the tumor is too large to be resected or if there are multiple foci and the patient meets the transplant criteria, transplantation is performed. This method is usually used in early stage liver cancer It is used in patients. High-frequency electrical currents are used to destroy cancer cells. It is an effective method for small tumors. The tumor is frozen and destroyed using low temperatures. Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the vein leading to the tumor. The vein is then blocked, allowing the drugs to remain in the tumor for a longer period of time. Drug therapy is used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
Chemotherapy is often combined with local methods. Targeted therapies use special drugs that block the growth of cancer cells. For example, drugs such as sorafenib are used in advanced liver cancer It is effective in patients. Immunotherapy is a treatment that aims to fight cancer by strengthening the immune system. For example, PD-1 inhibitors have shown promise in treatment in recent years. High-energy beams focused on the liver are used to destroy tumor cells. New technologies protect healthy tissues and provide more effective results. Pain management and nutritional support are applied to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis is of great importance in treatment. Regular checkups and screening tests facilitate early detection of cancer in high-risk individuals. The treatment process must be planned by a multidisciplinary team.
