Liver Cancer

What is Liver Cancer?

The liver is one of the largest organs of the human body is placed below the right lung under the ribcage. It has two lobes, right and left. Cancer that starts in the liver is stated as primary liver cancer. Most common type of primary cancer that found in the liver is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and affects male more than female. HCC may have different growth pattern:

In some patients, a large single tumor is formed in or on the liver and later spread to other parts of the liver.
In some other patients, small cancer nodules are formed throughout the liver and mostly found in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

There are other types of liver cancers named intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, which are not common.

Secondary liver cancer, which is originated from other organs but metastasized and spread to the liver; the name of cancer is described after the name of that particular originating organ.

What are the causes of the Liver Cancer?

Like any type of cancer in any organ, the cause of liver cancer is not clear. But it is known that like other cancer, liver cancer also occurs when cells of liver start mutation in their DNA and become malignant.

However, following risk factors increases the probability of happening of liver cancer:

Cirrhosis of liver increases the chance liver cancer
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV) can increase the risk of liver cancer
Uncontrolled diabetes with fatty liver may have the risk of occurring liver cancer
An accumulation of fat in the liver and diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease increase the chance of liver cancer
Crops, peanuts etc., if stored poorly, contaminates with aflatoxins. Exposure to aflatoxins risks a serious concern for liver cancer
Consuming more than a moderate amount of alcohol daily can risk to liver cancer

What are the symptoms of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer does not show any symptom at its early stage. When it grows to advance stage the following signs and symptoms may appear:

Weight loss without effort
Pain in upper abdomen
Loss of hunger
Fatigue and general weakness
Vomiting and nausea
Sign of jaundice, i.e., yellow discoloration of skin and eyeball
Abdominal swelling
Chalky white stool

What are the treatments for Liver Cancer?

Unfortunately, symptoms of liver cancer do not appear at the early stage and results to little chance for curing the disease. However, doctors can reduce the growth of tumor in the liver and increase the life expectancy during the following treatment:

At the early stage of liver cancer, surgery of small tumor and even a small portion of the liver are removed for survival.
Liver transplantation when the tumour meets certain selection criteria.
By ablative therapy, the substance like alcohol is directly injected into the tumor for treatment. Radio waves and lasers are also used.
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are also the options for treatment of liver cancer.

FAQs

Liver cancer, also called primary hepatic cancer, begins in the liver itself. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may appear as a single tumor or multiple nodules, especially in people with liver cirrhosis. Sometimes, cancer can spread to the liver from other organs—this is known as secondary liver cancer.

Liver cancer develops when there are changes (mutations) in the DNA of liver cells, causing them to grow abnormally. Common risk factors include cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C infections, fatty liver disease (especially in people with diabetes), excess alcohol use, genetic conditions like hemochromatosis, and exposure to toxins like aflatoxins. The exact cause can vary from person to person.

In the early stages, liver cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, people may experience unexplained weight loss, pain in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, swelling in the abdomen, and pale or chalky stools.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. In early stages, surgery to remove the tumor or a liver transplant may be recommended. Other options include ablative therapies (such as alcohol injection or radiofrequency ablation), as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy to control tumor growth.

Dr. Parthasarathy is known for managing liver cancer cases. Treatment may include tumor removal surgery, ablation procedures, or evaluation for liver transplantation, depending on the stage of the disease and individual patient needs.