Liver Cancer

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is one of the deadliest cancers known. It involves growth of cancerous cells called hepatocytes inside the liver. The cancer cells are known to spread from one body part to another. In case of liver cancer, it is not necessary that the cancerous cells are restricted to the liver only. After affecting the area, the cells can move to other body part such as the breast, colon, or even the lungs. Metastatic liver cancer is also a type of liver cancer found in liver but has originated in some other region. The origin organ can be the lungs, colon, bladder, pancreas, kidney, ovary, breast, stomach, or the uterus. These organs are more prone to getting affected and then spreading the infected cells to the liver. Other than the common liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), there are other types of liver cancers namely, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma. They occur when the cancer cells develop in the ducts of the liver.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease are:

  • Abdominal pain in the upper layer.
  • Weight loss.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Extreme weakness.
  • Jaundice, also called as pelea.
  • Light in colour or white stools (chalk shaped).

 

Causes

The major reason for development of any type of cancer is abnormal growth of cells that is caused due to genetic mutations. Other reason might include chronic infections due to hepatitis virus.

Risks

Major risk factors include:

  • Chronic infection due to hepatitis B virus.
  • Accumulation of fat in the liver.
  • Increase in blood sugar level.
  • Cirrhosis.
  • Inherited diseases such as Wilson’s disease.
  • Exposure to afltoxins.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol.

 

Prevention

In order to prevent the disease you need to:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat healthy diet.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid infection with hepatitis B and C viruses.

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, following methods are used to diagnose liver cancer:

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How is it treated?

The appropriate treatment method that can be employed depends on several factors including the patient’s overall health, age, spread of the cancerous cells, etc. After careful physical examination, our doctor at Medanta might adopt different met..

When do I contact the doctor?

You should consult a doctor, if you observe symptoms like loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment can completely cure the disease.

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How does Medanta provide care?

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