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Liver Cancer | Liver Cancer Symptoms & Signs
The liver is formed by different types of
cells; different tumors can start in any of
these cell types, and these tumours could be
benign or malignant.
Q: How common is liver cancer?
Worldwide, liver cancer is the 7th commonest
cancer in males and the 9th commonest in
females. In some parts of Asia & Africa, it
is the most common type of cancer. In
Singapore, it is the 4th among the most
frequently occurring cancers in males.
Q: What causes liver cancer?
The exact manner in which the normal liver
cells become cancerous is only partially
understood. However, scientists believe that
it involves damage to the DNA, and
replication of cells with the same DNA
error. Once this happens, it is too late to
repair the damage that may eventually lead
to a cancer.
Some of the risk factors are:
· Aflatoxin, which is a poisonous substance
produced in a fungus which infects peanuts
· Chronic infection with hepatitis B & C
viruses
· Alcohol abuse leading to scar tissue
formation in the liver
· Inherited disorders that cause damage to
the liver
· Certain chemicals like vinyl chloride
· Long-term use of anabolic steroids
· Drinking water contaminated with arsenic
Q: How is liver cancer diagnosed?
The signs & symptoms of liver cancer usually
do not show up until the later stages. A
doctor should be consulted if these problems
persist:
· Anorexia or persistent lack of appetite
· Unexplained weight loss
· Increasing abdominal girth
· Persistent pain in the abdomen and around
the right shoulder blade
· Sudden jaundice
· Dramatic change in the overall condition
of a person with chronic hepatitis or
cirrhosis
· A lump that can be felt in the area of the
liver
· Enlargement of the breast in men
To confirm the diagnosis, a series of
investigations that include blood tests,
ultrasound, CT scan, needle biopsy,
laparoscopy, angiography or MRI may be
performed.
Q: How is liver cancer treated?
The treatment option depends on many
factors, such as age, general health,
personal preference, social circumstances,
location and extent of the tumour.
Generally, surgery, chemotherapy and
radiation therapy are the 3 main methods of
cancer treatment.
Surgery involves removal of all cancer
visible to the surgeon at the time of
operation. Complete removal may not be
possible if the cancer is large or if
several small cancers are present in
different parts of the liver. People with
cirrhosis are considered eligible for
surgery only if their cancers are very
small. Cryosurgery, that is, destruction of
tumour by freezing it, has shown promise in
delaying the progress of the cancer.
In chemotherapy, anticancer drugs are
injected into the bloodstreams that reach
all parts of the body. This makes the
treatment potentially useful for cancers
that have spread to other organs.
Chemotherapy, however, also damages some
normal cells.
The use of radiation therapy is limited
because of the sensitivity of normal liver
tissue to radiation.
Q: What happens after treatment?
The doctor will decide which follow up tests
should be done and how often. To watch for
recurrence or metastasis, abdominal CT scans
and other imaging studies may be taken.
Q: Can liver cancer be prevented?
Yes, most liver cancers can be prevented by
public health measures that reduce exposure
to known risk factors mentioned earlier.
Balance of diet, good lifestyle, avoid drug abuse.
· Aflatoxin, which is a poisonous
substance produced in a fungus which infects
peanuts
· Chronic infection with hepatitis B & C
viruses
· Alcohol abuse leading to scar tissue
formation in the liver
· Inherited disorders that cause damage to
the liver
· Certain chemicals like vinyl chloride
· Long-term use of anabolic steroids
· Drinking water contaminated with arsenic
- Early detection and treatment can
safe your life. Don't
let it to be happened get caught in last
minute.