Liver Cancer

Unrestrained growth and spread of unhealthy cells in the liver is called Liver cancer. If Cancer begins in the liver, it is called primary liver cancer. However, if Cancer spreads to the liver from other organs like colon, stomach, pancreas, breast cancer, etc. is called metastatic or secondary liver cancer.

Is liver tumor different from liver cancer?

Any node or mass inside the liver is called a liver tumor. Liver tumors can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). The most common type of cancer that originates in the liver is known as Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

There are several causes of primary liver cancer. Risk factors for liver cancer include:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections cause chronic damage to the liver and are a major cause for liver cancer. About 5-10% of patients with these viruses develop liver cancer.
• Cirrhosis is a progressive illness that causes scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis is the end result of the outcome of all types of long-standing liver damage. About 5-10% of patients with cirrhosis develop liver cancer.
• Toxins like Arsenic: Drinking water polluted with arsenic (generally groundwater), also raises the risk for developing liver cancer.
• Obesity increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Diabetes increases the risk of liver cancer, especially in those who also drink alcohol heavily or suffer from superimposed Hepatitis B or C infection.

In the initial stages, Liver Cancer usually has no apparent symptoms. Only when the tumor becomes large, it causes symptoms. Certain symptoms are related to liver failure, which develops when cancer spreads within the liver. The following symptoms can occur:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling of the belly due to the accumulation of fluid
• Jaundice
• Enlargement of the liver or a mass that can be felt in the abdominal area
• Sudden deterioration in the overall condition of a patient with cirrhosis.

Also Read: Liver Function Test Normal Range

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