October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a month full of care and love for those who need it. The green emerald-colored ribbon brings awareness and support to liver cancer.
How common is liver cancer?
Liver cancer also HCC(Hepatocellular Carcinoma) is the 6th most common cancer globally. It is the 5th most common cancer in men and the 9th most common cancer in women. In this article, we are talking about primary liver cancer (HCC). However, the most common cause of liver tumour is secondaries i.e. metastasis from the tumours elsewhere in the body.
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a month full of care and love for those who need it. The green emerald-colored ribbon brings awareness and support to liver cancer.
How common is liver cancer?
Liver cancer also HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) is the 6th most common cancer globally. It is the 5th most common cancer in men and the 9th most common cancer in women. In this article, we are talking about primary liver cancer (HCC). However, the most common cause of liver tumour is secondaries i.e. metastasis from the tumours elsewhere in the body.
Can liver cancer occur in young individuals?
Yes, There are two types of liver cancer that occur in young. One is hepatoblastoma, which occurs in infants & children. Fibrolamellar carcinoma is the second kind of liver cancer, which mostly affects teenagers and adults under 40 who have healthy livers.
What are the causes of liver cancer?
The primary cause of liver cancer is the long-term damage and scarring of liver tissue, known as cirrhosis, often resulting from chronic conditions like hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
What are the common symptoms of liver cancer?
⦿ Unexplained weight loss
⦿ Abdominal pain or discomfort
⦿ Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
⦿ Fatigue
⦿ loss of appetite
⦿ Swelling in the abdomen due to ascites
⦿ Bleeding from oesophagal varices secondary to portal hypertension
⦿ Abdominal pain or discomfort
⦿ Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
⦿ Fatigue
⦿ loss of appetite
⦿ Swelling in the abdomen due to ascites
⦿ Bleeding from oesophagal varices secondary to portal hypertension
These symptoms may vary in severity and can be indicative of other liver or health problems as well.
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Liver cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and various diagnostic tests.
Imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds can help visualize the liver and detect tumors.
Biopsies may be required if the imaging tests are inconclusive.
The serum AFP(Alfa Feto Protein) test is usually elevated in cases of HCC.
What are the 4 stages of liver cancer?
What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
Major liver resections
Minor liver resections
Laparoscopic surgery
Treatment options for liver cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. They may include surgery to remove the tumor or the entire liver (liver transplantation), Major Liver Resection, Minor Liver Resection, Laparoscopic Surgery, localized treatments like radiofrequency ablation or chemoembolization, systemic therapies like chemotherapy or targeted therapy, and palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Radiofrequency ablation - RFA
Transarterial chemoembolization - TACE
How can a liver-healthy lifestyle help in preventing liver cancer?
Maintaining a liver-healthy lifestyle involves eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. Additionally, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect liver problems early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
