Liver Cancer
Liver cancer, primarily known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a serious malignancy that originates in liver cells. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in limited treatment options and a lower survival rate. Risk factors for liver cancer include chronic infections with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain genetic disorders. Early stages of liver cancer may not present noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, signs such as abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and unexplained weight loss may develop. Treatment for liver cancer typically involves surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, all aimed at managing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life. Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for approximately 75-85% of primary liver cancer cases, while intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma originates in the bile ducts within the liver and represents another form of primary liver cancer.
About Liver Cancer
The fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality globally and the sixth most common cancer overall is liver cancer. It is responsible for around 8% of all cancer-related fatalities worldwide.
Types Of Liver Cancer
Although there are several less prevalent types of liver malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer, is the most common variety. It is essential to comprehend these kinds for both diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. The following are the main forms of liver cancer:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): HCC is the most common kind and usually starts in the major cells of the liver called hepatocytes. Risk factors include cirrhosis, exposure to aflatoxins, long-term hepatitis B or C infection, and heavy alcohol intake are typically linked to it.
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC): ICC, sometimes referred to as bile duct cancer, starts in the liver’s tiny bile ducts. Although it is less prevalent than HCC, it can be difficult to treat because it is frequently discovered at an advanced stage.
Hepatoblastoma: Children, usually younger than three years old, are the main victims of this uncommon type of liver cancer. Hepatoblastoma is quite curable, and the prognosis is usually good with timely identification and suitable liver cancer treatment.
Fibrolamellar Carcinoma: This uncommon HCC subtype is distinguished by particular morphological and genetic characteristics. It usually affects young persons and is less aggressive than regular HCC, which increases the efficacy of surgical liver cancer treatment.
Hemangiosarcoma and Angiosarcoma: These incredibly rare types of liver cancer develop from the liver’s blood veins. They are frequently difficult to cure and have an aggressive nature.
Hepatic leiomyosarcoma: This is an additional uncommon kind of liver cancer that starts in the blood vessel’s smooth muscle cells. Treatment for liver cancer is frequently challenging, and the outlook is not always good.
Symptoms Of Liver Cancer
Particularly in its early stages, liver cancer may not show any signs at all. However, when the illness worsens, a number of symptoms and indicators may appear.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Abdominal Pain
Jaundice
Fatigue
Loss of Appetite and Nausea
Enlarged Liver or Abdomen
Causes Of Liver Transplant
Here are five important variables contributing to the development of liver cancer:
Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections: Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver cancer. These infections can persist for years, leading to liver inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis), which significantly heightens the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the advanced scarring of the liver, often resulting from various factors, including chronic viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and certain metabolic disorders. This condition disrupts liver function and can progress to HCC.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Long-term heavy alcohol use can severely damage liver cells and lead to cirrhosis, making it an independent risk factor for HCC. The combination of excessive alcohol intake with chronic viral hepatitis further increases this risk.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is characterized by the buildup of fat in the liver, often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. In its more severe form, known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), this condition can progress to cirrhosis, subsequently raising the risk of liver cancer.
Aflatoxin Exposure: Aflatoxins are toxins produced by molds that can contaminate crops such as peanuts, corn, and rice. Prolonged exposure to aflatoxins, especially in regions with inadequate food storage conditions, can significantly increase the risk of liver cancer.
Procedure of Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in particular, is a difficult illness that frequently necessitates a comprehensive approach to liver cancer treatment. The cancer’s stage, the patient’s general condition, and the degree of liver function all influence the therapy option.
Here is a thorough look at the steps involved in treating liver cancer:
- Surgery:
Hepatectomy: The surgical removal of the tumor-containing region of the liver. This process might be curative if the HCC is in its early stages and the liver function is sufficient.
Transplantation: If a patient is a good candidate and has severe liver disease, a liver transplant may be advised. It entails using a healthy donor liver to replace the complete liver.
Ablation: Malignant liver tissue can be destroyed using a variety of less invasive procedures. This covers ethanol injection, microwave ablation, and radiofrequency ablation.
2. Chemotherapy:
- For advanced HCC, systemic chemotherapy is frequently reserved. Chemotherapy therapies administered intravenously and oral drugs such as sorafenib and lenvatinib may be utilized.
3. Targeted Therapy:
- Drugs used in targeted therapy, such regorafenib and sorafenib, work to obstruct particular pathways that contribute to the growth of tumors. They are utilized in cases of advanced HCC or for patients unable to have liver cancer surgery.
4. Immunotherapy:
- Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are examples of immunotherapy that activates the immune system to target and fight cancer cells. It’s a newly available treatment for HCC related to liver cancer.