Primary Liver cancer is the growth of abnormal cancer cells starting in the liver tissue. Cancer which originated in other organs and has spread to the liver through blood is not considered liver cancer but is considered as metastasis. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatoblastoma are other types of primary liver cancer.
Liver Cancer Causes
Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs due to many factors with chronic inflammation leading to liver cirrhosis playing a central role in all the causes. Various causes for the occurrence of liver cancer are as follows:
Chronic viral infections, particularly hepatitis B and C, are major culprits behind liver cancer. These viruses can cause long-term inflammation in the liver, leading to liver cell damage and the eventual formation of cancerous cells.
Excessive alcohol consumption is another significant cause of liver cancer. Prolonged alcohol abuse can result in liver cirrhosis, a condition characterized by scarring of liver tissue.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are emerging causes of liver cancer, especially in individuals with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. NAFLD involves the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can progress to inflammation and liver cell damage, ultimately leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced diet are vital in preventing NAFLD-related liver cancer.
Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals: Aflatoxins, potent carcinogens produced by molds found in contaminated food like grains and nuts, can lead to liver cell mutations and cancer. Occupational exposure to chemicals such as vinyl chloride and arsenic has also been linked to increased liver cancer risk.
Hereditary conditions such as hemochromatosis (excessive iron absorption), Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation in the liver), and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (protein deficiency causing liver damage) can predispose individuals to liver cancer.
Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention efforts and early detection strategies to reduce the burden of liver cancer
Liver cancer Symptoms
signs and symptoms associated with liver cancer can be vague and are not specific for cancer development per se in the initial stages of the cancer. Various benign diseases can also present with similar symptoms. understanding its symptoms and prompt medical attention can help diagnose the disease in its early stages.
Here are the common signs and symptoms of liver cancer:
- Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen where the liver is located can be a sign of liver cancer. The pain may range from dull aches to sharp, persistent pain.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss, even without changes in diet or activity level, can be a symptom of liver cancer. Significant weight loss should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Loss of Appetite: Liver cancer can cause a loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts of food. Changes in appetite should be monitored, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive disturbances such as nausea and vomiting can occur as liver function is affected by cancer. These symptoms may worsen over time and require medical attention.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Feelings of extreme tiredness, weakness, and overall malaise can be signs of liver cancer. Fatigue may not improve with rest and can impact daily activities.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) occurs when bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver, builds up in the bloodstream due to impaired liver function. Dark urine and pale stools may also accompany jaundice.
- Enlarged Liver or Spleen: A mass or swelling felt under the ribs on the right side may indicate an enlarged liver or spleen, which can be a symptom of liver cancer.
- Itching: Persistent and unexplained itching of the skin can occur in liver cancer due to changes in bile production and liver function.
- Unexplained Fever: Some individuals with liver cancer may experience recurrent fevers without any other apparent cause. Monitoring body temperature and seeking medical advice for unexplained fever is important.
Liver cancer Treatment
Surgery is a common treatment for liver cancer, especially in early stages when the tumor is confined to the liver. Surgical procedures may include tumor resection, where the cancerous part of the liver is removed, or liver transplantation in cases of severe liver damage.
For patients who are not candidates for surgery or have advanced-stage cancer, other treatment options are available. These include liver-directed therapies such as ablation techniques (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) to destroy cancer cells using heat or cold. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is another approach that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor while blocking its blood supply.
Systemic therapies like chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs may be used to treat advanced liver cancer that has spread beyond the liver. Chemotherapy drugs such as sorafenib and lenvatinib target cancer cells throughout the body, while targeted therapy drugs like regorafenib and cabozantinib focus on specific molecular targets in cancer cells.
Immunotherapy, using drugs like nivolumab and pembrolizumab, boosts the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach is particularly beneficial for a subset of liver cancer patients with specific biomarkers.
Multidisciplinary teams comprising oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and supportive care specialists often work together to diagnose and make tailor made treatment plan for effective management.
Knowledge about liver cancer, its causes, symptoms and managment techniques is very crucial in early diagnosis and getting timely and best treatment for achieving optimal results.
