*Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Health and fitness blog
Date of publishiing
✍️: By Kamal Jeet Kaur Taur
Introduction
What is the liver? And what does it do?
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| Liver is the largest and most important organ of Human body |
The liver has two main parts: a large right lobe and a smaller left lobe.
The liver is the largest and most important internal organ of our body. The liver actually has two lobes. The large lobe on the right and the small lobe on the left, both of which have blood vessels inside them. The liver removes harmful and toxic substances from the body. It helps in digesting nutrients like vitamins, proteins, fats, etc. It produces hormones in the body. It also produces bile enzymes to digest food. It filters the blood flowing in the intestines. It absorbs and stores the nutrients from the food. It converts the nutrients needed to build your body tissues into energy.
The liver's full functioning is very important to live a healthy life. But due to today's lifestyle, people do not pay attention to the health of their liver and prefer to eat more oily substances, smoking, alcohol consumption, junk food and unhealthy food. And become a victim of liver diseases. Generally, having fatty liver increases the risk of jaundice and if it is not diagnosed on time, then later it can also take the form of dangerous liver cancer, so a person needs to be fully aware about this subject.
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) HCC
What is liver cancer?
Cancer is a deadly disease. It is found in many forms such as stomach cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, etc. Similarly, a liver cancer called HCC
hepatocellular carcinoma is also found. This cancer is the fastest growing deadly cancer in the world. People who have chronic liver diseases, the possibility of this disease increases due to the increase in the pathology in them. When the cells in the liver start growing abnormally, they take the form of liver cancer.
HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) is also known as a silent killer because no symptoms of it emerge until a large part of the liver is affected. In the initial days, its symptoms are very common such as loss of appetite, mild pain in the stomach, dark yellow color of urine, dry skin, and dark circles around the eyes, and weight loss etc. But the irony is that the person does not pay attention to these small symptoms and by the time its symptoms emerge, unfortunately about 90 or 95% of the liver is affected by cancer. And cancer has completely spread in the patient's liver. And the patient rarely gets a chance to treat it. This is the fifth type of cancer worldwide. And is the cause of most deaths. In the year 2018, 8,41,000 cases of liver cancer were reported worldwide, this cancer is considered responsible for 7,80,000 deaths. During its initial stage, no special symptoms are seen in the patient, by the time the person understands anything, it is too late and this disease reaches its last stage. And when this person comes to know about it. Then people lose hope of living and lose their self confidence. But nowadays in modern era it is not so that there is no cure for it, if it is tested on time and proper treatment is done then in some cases the person can be completely cured of the disease. And the chances of death can be reduced. A person from China got his advanced liver cancer treated at Fuda and he became completely healthy.
Liver cancer (HCC) is more prevalent in South East Asian countries as compared to India. China is a country with about 50% of the world's population. Therefore, cases of liver cancer are more prevalent in China as well. Liver cancer is also more prevalent in American people. In the last 30 years, a 3-fold increase in liver cancer cases has been recorded in America. Liver cancer is also more prevalent in Africa and Mongolia.
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How does liver cancer occur?
According to Hindustan Times, Dr. Rajiv Lochan, Lead Consultant of Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, says that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of liver cancer. And intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer of the pitt nali. Due to this, hepatic adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia occur in the bile ducts of the liver. The main reasons for this are viral infection of hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, arsenic-containing water, diabetes, excessive consumption of alcohol and obesity. In people with poor metabolism, it takes the form of a tumor, which later becomes liver cancer.
If this disease is identified in time, then its treatment is quite possible. Healthcare providers focus on identifying its causes and symptoms. So that liver cancer can be detected as early as possible and the patient can get the best possible treatment and he can recover as soon as possible.
How many types of liver cancer are there?
Liver cancer is primarily of 3 types
1 Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is found in almost all types of liver cancer. It is the most common form of liver cancer.
2 Intrahepatic carcinoma (IHC) It is a form of cholangiocarcinoma. It is cancer of the bile ducts of the liver. It occurs in 10 to 20% of the liver.
3 Angiosarcoma cancer It is found in about 1% of all cases of liver cancer. Angiosarcoma begins in the lining of blood cells and can affect other organs.
Liver cancer accounts for 5% of all primary cancer deaths in the United States, with HCC and IHC accounting for 2% of all deaths. Healthcare providers treat HCC and IHC in much the same way.
Who can be affected by liver cancer?
HCC and IHC cancers affect men more than women. This disease is generally found more in the age group of 55 to 65 years. Pacific Islanders, Hispanic and American Indians, Alaskan Indians and white people are more affected by this disease than black people.
What is the main cause of liver cancer?
There are some genes in our DNA that determine the function of cells. Such genes are found in all of our bodies. These genes signal the cells when to grow and divide. These genes help the cells to divide and grow and other genes are called tumor suppressors. They work to monitor cell activity. When the cells are about to die due to uncontrolled growth of these genes, the cells also die. In such a situation, when there is a mutation (change) in the DNA of healthy liver cells due to something, then the risk of a person getting liver cancer increases. When our DNA mutates and changes. At the same time, our cells are given new instructions. In HCC, the DNA changes and turns on oncogenes and turns off tumor-destroying genes.
Extensive studies show that hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are responsible for more than half of hepatocellular carcinoma liver cancer cases. When the infection occurs in liver cells, it changes the cell DNA, turning the liver cells into cancer cells. Healthcare providers say that if there is inflammation in the liver ducts for a long time, it increases the risk of HCC. Long-term inflammation changes the DNA of liver cells and turns healthy liver cells into abnormal cancer cells.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Unfortunately there are no symptoms in the early stages of liver cancer.
The symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intra hepatic (IHC) college no carcinoma (IHC) are the same.
1. Pain in the right side of the abdomen or right shoulder or a lump just below the rib cage can be a symptom of liver cancer.
2. Jaundice for a long time can also cause cancer. Hepatitis B is a disease due to which the skin of a person becomes yellow and the color of the eyes also becomes yellow. Due to this, the cells of the liver change their DNA, due to which the person almost stops feeling hungry. This can also be a symptom of liver cancer.
3. If a person starts losing weight abnormally and there is a decrease in appetite, then also it can be considered a symptom of liver cancer.
4. Feeling tired without any reason can also be a symptom of liver cancer.
5. Darkening of the color of urine can also be a symptom of liver cancer.
Mayo Clinic - Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Symptoms and Causes
What are the early signs of liver cancer?
Unfortunately, no prediction of liver cancer can be made. However, if a person has jaundice for a long time and swelling is seen in his hands and feet, then the risk of liver cancer can increase without any other symptoms. In such a situation, it is mandatory for the person to consult a doctor as soon as possible. And it is very important to get tested for it. Because even without any other symptoms, fatal liver cancer can occur. By being alert about your health, it can be detected in the early stages and treated.
How do healthcare providers treat liver cancer (HCC)?
If the doctor has even the slightest suspicion of liver cancer or if any kind of symptom is seen, he may ask you to get the tests mentioned below done.
. Blood test: Your doctor may ask you to get a blood test done to check for liver cancer. Which includes liver function test (LFT) test. Liver function test is done to check the liver enzymes, proteins and other substances. It tells whether your liver is healthy or damaged.
. Ultrasound or Sonography:
For liver cancer test, the doctor may ask you to get an ultrasound done. With this, the soft and delicate cell structures present in your body can be seen easily, that is why doctors use this technique.
Computed tomography (C.T.) Scan A CT scan is a special type of X-ray that is capable of showing the image of a person's liver in detail. It reveals the exact size and location of tumors in a person's liver. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test: MRI test is performed using huge radio waves, a magnet and a computer. This test shows even the smallest images of a person's body very clearly.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test: MRI test is done using huge radio waves, magnets and computer. This test shows even the tiniest of images of a person's body very clearly.
Angiogram : During this test, doctors inject a special type of dye into the arteries, which helps them to examine the blood vessels of the liver. And information about the activity and blockage of the blood vessels is clearly obtained.
. Biopsy: Biopsy is the most reliable method to detect the presence of cancer. Doctors remove some tissues from the suspected cancerous organ of the patient's body and test them. This helps them to easily detect the presence of cancer.
If after all these tests, the patient's liver cancer is not confirmed but the doctor still suspects cancer, then he may ask for some more tests like these
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) An endoscope and a thin catheter are used to examine the blood vessels of the liver.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography takes an X-ray of any of the vessels like ERCP. Instead of an endoscope and catheter, the doctor injects a needle directly into the liver and bile ducts. PTC procedure is adopted on people on whom ERCP cannot be done.
Mayo Clinic - Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnosis and Treatment
Stages of HCC
Healthcare providers determine the stage of liver cancer using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer System (BCLC). Based on the characteristics, this system gives all the information about the liver, whether the liver is functioning properly or not, or if there is a tumor growing in it, then its size and symptoms, all can be detected by this system. Healthcare providers use different terms for different types of BCLC stages. Stage 1 is called IV or 0C and Advanced stage is called HCC.
Hepatocellular carcinoma stages are described below.
Stage 1 Early stage _ Stage 0
Tumors that are less than 2 cm indicate stage 0. Blood test indicates normal bilirubin level.
Stage 2
If a tumor of 5 cm or less is found in the liver of a person. Tumors measuring up to 3c.m. may affect blood vessels.
Stage 3
Tumors measuring 5 cm or more are one or more and are considered stage 3. Tumors measuring more than 5 cm have spread to the patient’s lymph nodes, major blood vessels and other organs.
Can liver cancer be cured?
A successful liver transplant can cure liver cancer successfully. But finding a liver donor is not an easy task. Not every needy donor can be found. Studies show that people who have had their liver removed can live longer than those who have not. One must always strive to keep their liver as healthy as possible.
Health care providers are constantly struggling to find a cure for the cancer so that patients can live longer, but liver cancer remains a deadly disease.
Statistics show that about 35% of people who are initially treated for HCC hepatocellular carcinoma can survive for 5 years after treatment. Patients who have reached stage-2 HCC survive for 5 years after treatment of HCC People who have reached the advanced stage of liver cancer survived for 5 years after treatment, 3% of the patients survived for 5 years, in whom the disease had spread to the tissues and other organs.
Liver cancer IHC intrahepatic survival rate for those inside the bile duct is 24% The survival rate of those with cancer that has spread outside the bile duct is 9% and patients with cancer that has spread further to other organs have a lifetime survival rate of 2%.
How should one take care of oneself in liver cancer?
Liver cancer treatment and liver cancer have a great impact on the body of the patient. People who have undergone liver transplant or surgery to remove the liver from the body require lifelong treatment. It is very important for such people to remain in constant touch with their doctor. The patient should keep getting his checkup done after every 3 months because even a little negligence can invite cancer again.
Liver cancer and liver cancer treatment affect your body. Some people have a liver transplant or surgery to remove part of their liver. Others may need treatment as long as they live. Either way, you should schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider so they can monitor your progress and watch for signs of recurrent liver cancer (cancer that comes back). For example, people who don't have symptoms of liver cancer after treatment may not have any symptoms of liver cancer after treatment should plan follow-up imaging and blood tests every three to six months for the first two years after treatment.
Here are some tips for patients who have undergone liver cancer treatment, which can reduce liver cancer to some extent by adopting them in their lives.
Stay away from hepatitis B and C viruses as much as possible.
Stay away from smoking and alcohol consumption as much as possible.
Cleveland Clinic. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Symptoms & Treatment. Available at:
Cancer and liver cancer treatment affects a person's appetite. Proper nutrition is required to keep the body healthy or strong, so the patient should pay full attention to his diet and take a balanced diet. If you face trouble in eating or digesting something, then definitely consult your doctor, they will give you proper advice for its diagnosis.
You should do proper exercise, consult your doctor about it. Your doctor will advise you proper exercise considering the condition of the disease, so that the patient can keep himself stress free.
After the treatment of liver cancer, a person often experiences fatigue. This is a side effect of cancer and its treatment. To avoid this, one must take adequate rest.
If you feel uncomfortable talking to anyone about a fatal disease like liver cancer, then talk to your doctor about this and talk to them about such groups of people who have gone through this situation and are able to understand your condition.
FAQs
Q. 1. What are the different stages of liver cancer?
Ans. There are three stages of liver cancer.
Stage 1. When the tumor are less than 2 centimetres in the liver of anyone it called stage 1.
Stage 2. If the tumor of 5 centimetres or less in the liver of anyone, called stage 2
Stage 3 (adwance stage)
If the tumors are more than 2, of 5 centimetres or bigger than 5 centimetres, that is the simptoms of adwance stage of liver cancer.
Q.2. How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Ans. Liver cancer can be dignosed by blood test, Dr. May advice to the pectient for (L F T) liver functions test. Ultrasound, or Sonography, Computed Tamography (C T) scane, Magnatic Resonaces Imaging, (MRI) test, Angiogram, Biopsy test, Endoscpic Retrograde (ECRP) test Percutaneous transhepatic (PTC) and PTC procedure is adopted on people on whom ERCP cannot be done.
Q. 3. What are the treatment potions available for liver cancer?
Ans. Liver transplant is only single treatment option available for the liver cancer.
Q. 4. What are the most common risk factors for develping liver cancer?
Ans. Smoking, alcohol and unhealthy diet, liver diseases such as jaundice, happetites B and etc. play a major role in the development of liver cancer.
Q. 5. Are there any preventively measures or lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of liver Cancer?
Answer: People should stay away from chronic infaction of hepatitis B and C. Avoid smoking and drinking habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food and doing proper exercise to reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Q. 6. What are the symptoms of liver Cancer?
Ans. Unfortunately there are no symptoms in the early stages of liver cancer.
Pain in the right abdomen, right shoulder, or a lump just below the rib cage can be symptoms of liver cancer.
Q. 1. What are the different stages of liver cancer?
Ans. There are three stages of liver cancer. Stage 1. When the tumor are less than 2 centimetres in the liver of anyone it called stage 1. Stage 2. If the tumor of 5 centimetres or less in the liver of anyone, called stage 2 Stage 3 (adwance stage) If the tumors are more than 2, of 5 centimetres or bigger than 5 centimetres, that is the simptoms of adwance stage of liver cancer.
Q.2. How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Ans. Liver cancer can be dignosed by blood test, Dr. May advice to the pectient for (L F T) liver functions test. Ultrasound, or Sonography, Computed Tamography (C T) scane, Magnatic Resonaces Imaging, (MRI) test, Angiogram, Biopsy test, Endoscpic Retrograde (ECRP) test Percutaneous transhepatic (PTC) and PTC procedure is adopted on people on whom ERCP cannot be done.
Q. 3. What are the treatment potions available for liver cancer?
Ans. Liver transplant is only single treatment option available for the liver cancer.
Q. 4. What are the most common risk factors for develping liver cancer?
Ans. Smoking, alcohol and unhealthy diet, liver diseases such as jaundice, happetites B and etc. play a major role in the development of liver cancer.
Q. 5. Are there any preventively measures or lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of liver Cancer?
Answer: People should stay away from chronic infaction of hepatitis B and C. Avoid smoking and drinking habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food and doing proper exercise to reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Q. 6. What are the symptoms of liver Cancer?
Ans. Unfortunately there are no symptoms in the early stages of liver cancer. Pain in the right abdomen, right shoulder, or a lump just below the rib cage can be symptoms of liver cancer.
Disclaimer : I am nither a doctoer nor health provider. This article is just for knowledge and information purpose.
This post may contained affiliate link, I earn a little commition from qualifying purchase
Conclusions
Friends, in today's article we have tried to give information about liver cancer and have also tried our best to suggest ways to avoid it and tell about its treatment. I hope you liked this information. I heatly request you to avoid smoking, alcohol and unhealthy food items as much as possible and stay healthy and disease-free.
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