What is Liver Cancer?
Malignant tumors arising from the liver’s own cells are called “primary liver cancer”. This type of cancer is called “hepatocellular (liver cell) carcinoma” because it arises from the liver’s own cells.
This type of cancer is one of the common and life-threatening tumors. There are also other liver tumors that do not arise from hepatocytes. For example, cholangiocellular carcinoma (originating from the biliary tract) is an example of a tumor. There are also liver tumors such as angiosarcoma that occur in association with vascular structures.
If a person’s liver is healthy, the risk of developing this type of cancer is quite low. However, individuals with liver disease or structural disorders in the liver (for example, those with cirrhosis or cirrhosis) are at risk of liver cancer. Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and early diagnosis is very important as it carries a life-threatening risk. Early diagnosis of this disease is of vital importance.
The main treatment method is the removal of cancerous tissue. However, since the liver is a basic organ of the body and its functionality is important, removing only the tumor part is a very difficult procedure. For this reason, liver transplantation stands out as an important method in the treatment of liver cancer patients.
What Causes Liver Cancer?
It is not yet known exactly what causes liver cancer.
However, some conditions significantly increase the risk of liver cancer.
Contracting Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses is one of the biggest underlying causes.
Symptoms of disease may not appear even years after these viruses are ingested into the body.
In some cases, the disease can be transmitted without seeing any symptoms. However, blood tests are required to diagnose this.
- Wound caused by liver cirrhosis
- Liver adenoma
- Some carcinogenic substances present in foods
- Some drugs and metabolic diseases
- Fatty liver
- Having someone in the family with liver cancer
- Smoking and smoking
- Arsenic
- Diabetes
- Being overweight
- Having weak immunity
- Some birth control pills
However, the people most at risk for liver cancer are people with hepatitis.
After people with hepatitis, people with cirrhosis come. Therefore, it is very important to check these people at regular intervals.
You can be protected from Hepatitis B if you are vaccinated. That’s why vaccination is so important.
What are The Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a type of cancer that may not be obvious in the early stages or may have similar symptoms to other liver diseases.
However, when it progresses or grows, the following symptoms may occur:
Abdominal Pain and Bloating:
As liver cancer grows, pain and discomfort may occur in the abdominal area. Due to swelling of the liver, bloating and fullness may be felt in the abdomen.
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss:
Loss of appetite, which is a common symptom in cancer diseases, can also be seen in case of liver cancer. Weight loss may occur as appetite decreases.
Weakness and Fatigue:
Liver cancer can cause metabolism in the body to be affected and energy levels to decrease, which can lead to weakness and fatigue.
Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes):
Liver cancer can impair the function of the liver, blocking the flow of bile. In this case, the skin and eyes may turn yellow. At the same time, the urine color may be dark and the stool color may be light.
Itching:
Liver cancer can cause itching due to impaired bile flow.
Palpable Mass in the Liver:
As the cancer grows, a palpable mass may form in the liver.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Liver cancer can cause nausea and occasionally vomiting.
These symptoms may not be liver cancer and may be a sign of another disease, so it is important to consult a doctor if symptoms appear. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the chances of liver cancer being curable. Risk factors include conditions such as chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and diabetes. People with these risk factors should follow regular health check-ups.
What are The Stages of Liver Cancer?
In order to plan the treatment of liver cancer, it must first be staged.
This staging generally consists of four stages.
Stage 1:
In liver cancer, tumor tissue is located within the liver and has not affected any other organ or structure.
Stage 2:
In liver cancer, small tumoral formations are located within the liver tissue or a malignant tumor tissue is detected to have reached the blood vessels.
Stage 3:
In liver cancer, more than one large tumor has affected the liver tissue or one large tumor is detected to have affected a large vessel.
Stage 4:
In liver cancer, the liver cancer has now metastasized and spread to other parts of the body.
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Medical History and Physical Examination:
During the physical examination, your medical history is questioned and your risk factors are checked. And more information will be obtained about the symptoms you are experiencing.
In addition to all these, symptoms and other health problems related to liver cancer will also be examined.
Your doctor will specifically examine your abdominal area. And it checks the color of your skin and the whites of your eyes to look for signs of jaundice.
If symptoms and/or examination results indicate the possibility of liver cancer, more detailed tests will need to be performed. These tests are imaging tests, laboratory tests and other methods.
Blood Tests:
A serum marker test measures amounts of certain substances linked to cancer.
For liver cancer, cirrhosis and hepatitis, higher levels of the substance alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may appear.
High levels of AFP are considered a tumor marker. Liver enzyme tests that show high levels of liver enzymes may also indicate liver disease.
Ultrasound (Sonography):
This test provides pictures of your soft tissue structures.
Computed Tomography (CT Scan):
This special type of x-ray takes detailed images of organs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
This test produces very clear images of the human body using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer.
Angiogram:
During this test, a dye is injected into an artery to show liver tissue and any tumors.
Bone Scan:
A bone scan is a helpful way to show whether cancer has spread to the bones. Bone pain or liver transplantation can be treated appropriately. It is a test performed when a patient is sick.
For this test, low-level radioactive material is injected into a vein. This substance settles in the damaged areas of the bone throughout the skeleton within an hour or two. Afterwards, an imaging process that takes about 30 minutes is performed with the help of a special camera.
Active areas where changes occur in the bones are called “hot zones” in the skeleton. These areas may indicate the presence of cancer.
However, the presence of other bone diseases may also cause the same symptoms. Other imaging tests such as x-ray or MRI or even a bone biopsy may be required to distinguish these two conditions.
Laparoscopy:
The doctor uses a thin tube with a light (laparoscope) to observe the liver and other organs in the stomach area.
Biopsy:
Removing tissue for examination under a microscope. It can be done using a laparoscope. The most reliable way to detect cancer is a biopsy.
What are The Liver Cancer Treatments?
Liver cancer treatment is planned using various methods depending on the stage of the disease, the spread of the cancer and the general health condition of the patient.
Surgical Treatment:
In the early stages of liver cancer, when the tumor is small and limited, surgical intervention may be preferred.
The cancerous liver section or the entire liver may be removed (hepatectomy).
In some cases, liver transplantation may also be among the treatment options.
Liver Transplantation:
It is the transplantation of a liver from a suitable donor to the patient. Treatment interventions with transplant may be preferred, especially in non-metastatic cases. After transplantation, patients must use medication to delay rejection for life.
Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or control their growth.
Methods such as external beam radiotherapy or internal radioembolization can be used in liver cancer.
Ablation Techniques:
-
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
RFA uses heat produced by radiofrequency waves to destroy cancerous cells. It is usually used for small tumors and can be performed using a laparoscopic or percutaneous approach.
-
Microwave Ablation (MWA):
Similar to RFA, MWA uses microwaves to heat and destroy cancerous tissue.
-
Ethanol Injection:
Ethanol (alcohol) can be injected directly into the tumor to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can sometimes be used alone or in combination with surgery and radiotherapy.
Targeted Therapies:
Some liver cancers can be treated with targeted drugs. These drugs provide treatment by acting on specific targets for cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is the use of drugs that help the immune system fight cancer.
It can also be applied in the treatment of liver cancer.
Supportive Care:
During liver cancer treatment, supportive care is provided to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
This,
- Pain control,
- Nutritional support,
- May include psychological support and management of other symptoms.
The treatment plan may be used in different combinations depending on the patient’s health condition and the stage of the cancer.
It is important for oncologists, surgeons and other specialists to come together and adopt a multidisciplinary approach when determining the treatment plan.
When diagnosed at an early stage and appropriate treatment is received. And treatment success increases in liver cancer.
Therefore, it is important to contact a healthcare professional immediately when symptoms occur or if you have risk factors.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Liver Cancer?
Reduce Your Risk of Cirrhosis:
Cirrhosis is injury to the liver and increases the risk of liver cancer.
You can reduce your risk of cirrhosis if you:
Drink Alcohol at Least in Moderation:
If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount you drink. For women, this amount means not drinking more than one glass per day. For men, it means not drinking more than two glasses a day.
Stay at a Healthy Weight:
If your current weight is healthy, try to maintain it by exercising most days of the week and choosing a healthy diet. If you need to lose weight, reduce the calories you consume each day and increase the amount of exercise you do. Aim to lose weight slowly – 0.5 to 1 kilogram each week.
Be Careful with Chemicals:
Follow instructions for any chemicals you use at home or at work.
Get the Hepatitis B Vaccination:
You can reduce your risk of hepatitis B with the hepatitis B vaccine, which provides more than 90 percent protection for both adults and children.
The vaccine can be given to almost anyone, including infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Take Precautions to Prevent Hepatitis C:
There is no hepatitis C vaccine. But you can reduce the risk of infection.
Know Your Sexual Partner’s Health Status:
If you are not sure that your partner does not have HBV, HCV, or another sexually transmitted infection, do not have unprotected sex. If you do not know your partner’s health condition, always use a condom during sexual intercourse.
Do Not Use Intravenous (IV) Medications, But If You Do, Use a Clean Needle:
Reduce your risk of HCV by not injecting illegal drugs. However, if you do not have such a chance, make sure that the needle is sterile and do not share it with others. Contaminated drug paraphernalia is a common cause of hepatitis C infection. Take advantage of needle exchange programs in your community and consider asking for help with your medication use.
If You Are Going to Get a Piercing or Tattoo, Look for Clean and Safe Stores:
Needles that are not properly sterilized can spread the hepatitis C virus. Before getting a piercing or tattoo, check out stores in your area and ask employees about their safety practices.
If employees at a store refuse to answer your questions or do not take your questions seriously, take this as a sign that the facility is not right for you.