liver cancer
Liver cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the liver, most often due to chronic liver damage or disease
Hepatocellular carcinoma , Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma , Hepatoblastoma , Hepatic angiosarcoma.
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Disease Facts
Category
YES
Related Disease
YES
Approved Medicines
NO
Essential Tests
YES
Summary
Liver cancer is a disease where cells in the liver grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It can lead to serious health issues, including liver failure, which is when the liver stops working properly, and can spread to other parts of the body, increasing the risk of death.
Liver cancer occurs when liver cells change due to DNA changes. Risk factors include chronic hepatitis infections, which are liver infections, alcohol abuse, obesity, and certain genetic conditions. These factors can damage liver cells, leading to cancer.
Common symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Complications can include liver failure and metastasis, which is the spread of cancer to other organs, causing severe health impacts.
Liver cancer is diagnosed using imaging tests like CT or MRI scans, blood tests for liver function, and sometimes a biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample. These tests help confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the liver.
Prevention includes hepatitis B vaccination and reducing alcohol intake. Treatments involve surgery, targeted therapies like sorafenib, which blocks cancer growth, and immunotherapy, which helps the immune system fight cancer. Early detection improves outcomes.
Self-care includes a balanced diet, regular low-impact exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. These actions support liver health, improve energy levels, and enhance treatment effectiveness, helping manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Understanding the Disease
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a disease where cells in the liver grow uncontrollably. It develops when normal liver cells become abnormal and multiply. This can lead to a tumor. Liver cancer can cause serious health problems and is often life-threatening. It can lead to liver failure and spread to other parts of the body, increasing morbidity and mortality.
What causes Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when liver cells grow uncontrollably due to DNA changes. Risk factors include chronic hepatitis infections, alcohol abuse, obesity, and certain genetic conditions. Sometimes, the exact cause is unknown. These factors can damage liver cells, leading to cancer.
Are there different types of Liver Cancer?
Yes, liver cancer has different types. The main types are hepatocellular carcinoma, which starts in liver cells, and cholangiocarcinoma, which starts in bile ducts. Hepatocellular carcinoma is more common and often linked to liver cirrhosis. Cholangiocarcinoma has a poorer prognosis and is less common.
What are the symptoms and warning signs of Liver Cancer?
Common symptoms of liver cancer include weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms often progress gradually as the tumor grows. Unique patterns like sudden weight loss and persistent pain can aid diagnosis.
What are the five most common myths about Liver Cancer?
One myth is that liver cancer only affects heavy drinkers, but it can also occur due to hepatitis infections. Another is that it's always fatal; early detection can improve outcomes. Some believe it's contagious, which is false. Another myth is that surgery is the only treatment; there are also medications and therapies. Lastly, some think it only affects older adults, but younger people can be affected too.
Which types of people are most at risk for Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is more common in men and people over 50. It's prevalent in regions with high hepatitis B and C rates, like Asia and Africa. Chronic liver diseases and lifestyle factors contribute to higher prevalence in these groups.
How does Liver Cancer affect the elderly?
In the elderly, liver cancer may present with more advanced symptoms due to delayed diagnosis. Complications like liver failure are more common. Age-related differences are due to slower metabolism, existing health conditions, and reduced organ function, which can affect disease progression and treatment response.
How does Liver Cancer affect children?
Liver cancer in children often presents as hepatoblastoma, which is different from adult forms. Symptoms may include abdominal swelling and pain. Children may have better outcomes due to different tumor biology and response to treatment. Age-related differences are due to the type of liver cancer and developmental factors.
How does Liver Cancer affect pregnant women?
Liver cancer in pregnant women may present with more severe symptoms due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes. Complications can affect both mother and fetus. These differences are due to physiological changes during pregnancy, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Diagnosis & Monitoring
How is Liver Cancer diagnosed?
Liver cancer is diagnosed through imaging tests like CT or MRI scans, blood tests for liver function, and sometimes a biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample. Symptoms like weight loss, jaundice, and abdominal pain can support the diagnosis. These tests help confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the liver.
What are the usual tests for Liver Cancer?
Common tests for liver cancer include blood tests for liver function and tumor markers, imaging tests like CT or MRI scans, and sometimes a biopsy. Blood tests assess liver health, imaging shows tumor size and location, and biopsy confirms cancer type. These tests guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
How will I monitor Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is monitored using blood tests, imaging tests like CT or MRI scans, and sometimes biopsies. These tests help determine if the cancer is stable, improving, or worsening. Monitoring frequency varies but often occurs every few months, depending on the treatment plan and disease stage.
What are healthy test results for Liver Cancer?
Routine tests for liver cancer include blood tests for liver function and tumor markers, and imaging tests like CT or MRI scans. Normal liver function tests show normal enzyme levels. Elevated tumor markers or abnormal imaging can indicate cancer. Controlled disease is indicated by stable or improving test results over time.
Consequences & Complications
What happens to people with Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a chronic disease that progresses over time. If untreated, it can lead to liver failure and spread to other organs, often resulting in death. Available therapies, like surgery and medication, can slow progression and improve survival rates, but early detection is crucial for better outcomes.
Is Liver Cancer lethal?
Yes, liver cancer can be lethal. It progresses from liver cell changes to tumor growth and can spread to other organs. Risk factors for lethality include late-stage diagnosis and underlying liver disease. Treatments like surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can reduce the risk of death.
Will Liver Cancer go away?
Liver cancer typically progresses over time and does not resolve spontaneously. It is not curable but can be managed with treatment. Without treatment, it usually worsens, but therapies can slow progression and improve quality of life.
What other diseases can occur in people with Liver Cancer?
Common comorbidities of liver cancer include cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, and diabetes. These conditions share risk factors like alcohol use and obesity. Liver cancer often clusters with these diseases due to shared liver damage pathways.
What are the complications of Liver Cancer?
Complications of liver cancer include liver failure, jaundice, and metastasis, which is the spread of cancer to other organs. These occur due to tumor growth and liver damage. They can severely impact health, causing pain, fatigue, and reduced quality of life.
Prevention & Treatment
How can Liver Cancer be prevented?
Liver cancer prevention includes hepatitis B vaccination, which prevents infection, and reducing alcohol intake, which lowers liver damage risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing conditions like diabetes can also help. These actions reduce liver cancer risk by preventing liver damage and cirrhosis.
How is Liver Cancer treated?
Liver cancer is treated with surgery, which removes tumors, and targeted therapies like sorafenib, which block cancer growth. Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer. These treatments can slow progression and improve survival, especially when detected early.
What drugs work best for treating Liver Cancer?
First-line drugs for liver cancer include targeted therapies like sorafenib, which blocks cancer cell growth. Immunotherapy, which helps the immune system fight cancer, is also used. The choice depends on cancer stage and patient health. These drugs can slow disease progression and improve survival.
What other drugs can be used for treating Liver Cancer?
Second-line therapies for liver cancer include regorafenib and nivolumab. Regorafenib blocks cancer cell growth, while nivolumab boosts the immune response. The choice depends on previous treatment response and patient health. These drugs offer options when first-line treatments are ineffective.
Lifestyle & Self-Care
How do I care for myself with Liver Cancer?
Self-care for liver cancer includes a balanced diet, regular low-impact exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. These actions support liver health, improve energy levels, and enhance treatment effectiveness. They also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What foods should I eat for Liver Cancer?
For liver cancer, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is recommended. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and fish are beneficial. Avoid processed foods, red meat, and alcohol, which can worsen liver health. A balanced diet supports overall health and treatment effectiveness.
Can I drink alcohol with Liver Cancer?
Alcohol can worsen liver cancer by further damaging liver cells. Short-term, it can increase symptoms like pain. Long-term, it accelerates liver damage and cancer progression. It's recommended to avoid alcohol entirely to prevent further liver damage and support treatment.
What vitamins can I use for Liver Cancer?
A varied and balanced diet is best for liver cancer, providing essential nutrients. Some deficiencies, like vitamin D, may affect liver health. While supplements can help, they should be used under medical guidance. There's limited evidence on supplements preventing or improving liver cancer.
What alternative treatments can I use for Liver Cancer?
Alternative therapies like meditation, massage, and acupuncture can help manage liver cancer symptoms. They reduce stress, improve well-being, and may alleviate pain. These therapies support conventional treatments by enhancing quality of life and emotional health.
What home remedies can I use for Liver Cancer?
Home remedies for liver cancer include maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing. These support overall health, reduce stress, and help manage symptoms. They complement medical treatments by improving quality of life.
Which activities and exercises are best for Liver Cancer?
For liver cancer, low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and swimming are best. High-intensity activities can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue and pain. Liver cancer can limit exercise due to fatigue, pain, and reduced liver function, which affects energy levels. It's recommended to avoid high-intensity activities and extreme environments. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen.
Can I have sex with Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer can affect sexual function due to fatigue, pain, and emotional stress. Hormonal changes and self-esteem issues may also play a role. Managing these effects involves open communication with partners and healthcare providers, and addressing symptoms with appropriate treatments.
