Liver Cancer

Causes

• Chronic Hepatitis Infections: Hepatitis B and C infections are major risk factors.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, often due to excessive alcohol consumption or chronic
  hepatitis infection.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Build-up of fat in the liver, associated
  with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
• Exposure to Aflatoxins: Toxins produced by molds on certain foods, such as grains and
  nuts.
• Heavy Alcohol Use: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk.
• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Family History: Having a family member with liver cancer increases the risk.

Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Swelling: Abdominal swelling or a feeling of fullness.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Especially in the later stages.
• Enlarged Liver: A palpable mass in the upper right abdomen.

Types

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):
  • Most common type, usually develops in people with underlying liver disease or
    cirrhosis.
• Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma:
  • Develops in the bile ducts within the liver.
• Hepatoblastoma:
  • Rare, primarily affects children under the age of 5.

Diagnosis

• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan to visualize the liver and detect
  tumors.
• Blood Tests: Checking liver function and levels of tumor markers such as alpha-
  fetoprotein (AFP).
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope to
  confirm cancer.

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Hepatectomy: Removal of part or all of the liver.
  • Liver Transplant: Replacement of the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver.
• Ablation Therapy: Destroying cancer cells using heat or cold.
• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, often used in advanced cases.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention

• Hepatitis Vaccination: Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) can reduce the risk
  of liver cancer.
• Practice Safe Sex: To reduce the risk of hepatitis infection.
• Limit Alcohol: Moderation or abstinence from alcohol.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active