7 Rare Facts About Liver Cancer

The liver is the largest organ of the human body and is found above the abdomen space, just below the right ribs. The liver is also one of those essential organs without which a human being cannot survive. According to a World Cancer Research Journal study, the world saw approximately 8.5 lakh cases of liver cancer in 2018.

Many information is available regarding other cancer types such as lung cancer, blood cancer, and breast cancer. Yet, not many people are aware of some rare facts related to liver cancer, which often becomes a hurdle in treatment for liver cancer.

This article discusses the top seven lesser-known facts related to liver cancer. So, let’s begin!

Not All Liver Cancer Diagnosis Need A Biopsy

When we look at the data released by the top cancer research institutes, we find that only 10% of liver cancer cases need a biopsy. Doctors are generally able to conclude based on imagery only.

Liver Cancers Don’t Spread Faster Than Other Types

A common notion associated with liver cancer is that they spread faster than other cancers and move quickly to the other organs. Although they are no less lethal than other tumours, any argument that claims that they reach other organs faster is not supported by facts.

Liver Cancer Is Primary Or Metastatic

Liver cancers can originate in the organ itself, or they may get spread from the other parts. The most common cancers which spread to the liver in a metastatic manner are breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Association With Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a high-risk factor for the development of liver cancer. According to research conducted by American Cancer Research Institute, most patients who were diagnosed with liver cancer had cirrhosis as a precursive condition, either in an active or a dormant stage.

Liver Cancer Symptoms Take Time To Appear

One of the factors that increase liver cancer’s lethality is that their symptoms don’t appear till cancer has progressed.

It is another thing if the patient goes for imaging due to other reasons or a routine check-up. But it isn’t until the advanced stages when the liver cancer symptoms appear.

Liver Transplant Serves As A Good Treatment Approach

Transplanting a liver is comparatively less complicated than other internal organs since the liver is the only organ that can regenerate. Also, there is not much hassle finding a liver donor, and even a healthy person can donate.

Palliative Care Is One Of The Treatment Approaches

Palliative care is one of the treatment approaches for liver cancer treatment. It involves controlling the symptoms and other problems caused by cancer through dedicated medication.

A person receiving palliative care can also receive regular cancer treatment as chemotherapy or other approaches.

Conclusion

As the world observes October as the liver cancer awareness month, we must understand the severity associated with the disease. RGCIRC, being the leading cancer research institute, is doing everything possible to benefit cancer fighters and survivors, as the deadly disease continues to ravage thousands of human lives every year.