Treatment For Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis

The liver is a vital organ responsible for many of the body’s metabolic processes. It helps in digestion, is a storage organ, and acts as a blood purifier. Liver cancer is a health concern for the cancer community. The primary cause of liver cancer is fatty liver disease, which has become increasingly common due to obesity, excessive drinking, and liver disease. 

It’s essential to know that liver cancer is a life-threatening condition, which is unfortunately becoming more common. It has one of the highest mortality rates among any cancer, and if it’s diagnosed at a later stage, the survival chance is quite low. Therefore, you must know about it so that you’ll be able to identify any symptoms and get the right treatment for liver cancer.

What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. The liver is a large organ located on the upper right side of the abdomen. It is responsible for many important functions, including filtering toxins from the blood and producing bile to help digest fats.

Types of Liver Cancer

There are three main types of liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and Angiosarcoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma, also called hepatoma, is the most common type of liver cancer. It begins in the main type of liver cell called the hepatocyte. Cholangiocarcinoma arises from the bile ducts, which are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Angiosarcoma is a rare type of liver cancer that arises from the blood vessels in the liver.

Liver cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal. However, treatment options are available and the prognosis is improving. With early detection and treatment, many people with liver cancer can now live longer and healthy lives.

Symptoms

Liver cancer can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on how advanced the cancer is and where it is in the liver. Some common symptoms include pain in the abdomen or right shoulder, weight loss, jaundice i.e., yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. 

If the cancer is in the early stages, these symptoms may be mild and difficult to notice. However, as cancer grows and spreads, the symptoms will become more severe. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started.

Treatment

Liver cancer is often diagnosed with imaging tests such as CT or MRI and may also require a biopsy. There are several treatment options available for patients with liver cancer. The most common and effective treatment is surgery, which can be used to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue. The other treatment options include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Patients may also receive a transplant to replace their diseased liver with a healthy one. You can get these treatments from the best oncologist in India.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for liver cancer, including:

-Excessive alcohol consumption

-Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C)- Hepatitis B and C are the most common viral infections that lead to liver cancer.

-Cirrhosis- Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is damaged and can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or viral hepatitis.

-Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver. 

Liver Cancer Diagnosis

Several tests can be used to diagnose liver cancer, including blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsies. Your doctor will likely order a combination of these tests to get a complete picture of your condition. 

Treatment options for liver cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The best treatment option for you will depend on the stage of your cancer and your overall health. If you have been diagnosed with liver cancer, it is important to stay positive and work with your medical team to help them develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

We hope this post has helped provide you with all the information you need to know about the treatment for liver cancer. From symptoms and risk factors to types and diagnosis, we have provided you with all the information you need to know about liver cancer.