Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, and Treatment Options

Introduction

Imagine owning a multi-function device that works day in and day out without fail. Your liver is exactly such an organ. However, when this robust organ succumbs to diseases like liver cancer, it can be a cause for serious concern. This article aims to shed light on this complex topic of liver cancer, its symptoms and causes, the different stages, along with various treatment options available. Understanding these aspects can help you take the essential proactive measures concerning your health and wellbeing.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a condition where some cells in the liver start to grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. Common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which comes from hepatocytes, the main cells in the liver. Other less prevalent forms are intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which develops from bile duct cells, and hepatoblastoma, a type that usually affects children.

Interestingly, while primary liver cancers are important, cancers that originate in other organs and spread to the liver, called metastatic cancers, are actually more common. These tumors are named after where they began; for example, metastatic colon cancer means the cancer started in the colon and then spread to the liver. Understanding these differences is important for diagnosis and planning treatment.

Is Liver Cancer a common disease?

While liver cancer isn’t as common as other types of cancer, like breast or lung cancer, its incidence has been on a steady rise. This rise can be linked to several factors, including a higher prevalence of hepatitis infections and lifestyle choices like obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. In India, about 1% of the population is expected to be diagnosed with some form of liver cancer during their lifetime. This statistic highlights the growing concern around liver cancer and emphasises on the need for awareness, early detection, and effective treatment options. Educating people about the risk factors, such as viral hepatitis and unhealthy habits, is essential. By promoting healthy lifestyles and regular check-ups, we can help reduce the incidence of liver cancer and improve outcomes for those affected. Addressing these issues is vital for public health in India and beyond.

Who’s affected by Liver Cancer?

There are three main types of liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC), and angiosarcoma. HCC accounts for nearly all liver cancer cases, while IHC and angiosarcoma make up about 10-20% and 1% cases of liver cancer respectively. Generally, men are more affected than women.

How does Liver Cancer affect the body?

Liver cancer can affect the body in several ways. It can cause jaundice, which makes the skin and eyes look yellow, along with itchy skin. People may feel pain or swelling in the abdomen and notice hard lumps on the right side. Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite are common, often feeling full after eating little. Other symptoms also includes unusual tiredness, pale bowel movements, dark urine, and fever. Recognising these signs is important for early detection and treatment.

What is the main cause of Liver Cancer?

The main factors contributing to liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV). These viral infections can trigger inflammation in liver cells, leading to changes in DNA that may alter these cells into cancerous ones.

What causes IHC?

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) is usually associated with chronic inflammation in the bile ducts within the liver. This persistent inflammation can cause alterations in DNA, transforming healthy cells into abnormal, cancerous ones.

What are Liver Cancer symptoms?

As with many forms of cancer, symptoms of liver cancer may not be noticeable in its early stages.

However, as it progresses, individuals may experience:

• Discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side
• A swollen abdomen
• A hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage
• Pain near the right shoulder blade or in the back
• Jaundice, leading to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Unusual tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss for no known reason

What are early warning signs of Liver Cancer?

Early warning signs of liver cancer can be subtle, often including unexplained weight loss, dull pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes), itchy skin, and swelling in the abdomen or legs. Seek medical advice if these occur. If you're at high risk for liver cancer, it's crucial to get regular checks. This helps monitor your liver health and catch any problems early, which can lead to better treatment options and outcomes.

How to diagnose Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer diagnosis typically involves several steps:

1. Clinical evaluation: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for signs like abdominal swelling or a palpable mass. They'll also take a detailed medical history.
2. Blood tests: Tests can identify abnormal liver function and elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein that can be a liver cancer marker. However, AFP is not definitive and can be high in other liver conditions too.
3. Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI help visualise the liver and any tumors, determining their size, location, and number.
4. Liver biopsy: In certain situations, a sample of liver tissue is taken and examined to confirm the diagnosis.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice, it's important to consult your doctor. Early detection is crucial in improving liver cancer survival rates.

What are Liver Cancer stages?

Liver cancer stages describe how far the cancer has spread. Staging is important for informing treatment choices.

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system defines five liver cancer stages:

• Stage 0: Very early stage, often treatable and potentially curable.
• Stage A: Early stage, may be curable through surgery or ablation.
• Stage B: Intermediate stage, generally not curable, but treatments can prolong life.
• Stage C: Advanced stage, where the emphasis is on managing symptoms and extending life.
• Stage D: Terminal stage, with a focus on enhancing quality of life.

Ask your doctor to explain your liver cancer stage and what it means for your prognosis and treatment plan. Remember, every individual's cancer journey is unique.

How to treat Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage, your overall health, and other factors.

Options may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor or liver transplant (early stages)
• Ablation techniques to destroy small tumors
• Chemotherapy or chemoembolization to slow cancer growth
• Targeted drug therapy to disrupt blood supply to tumors
• Radiation therapy to shrink tumors
• Palliative care to ease symptoms (advanced stages)

Your doctor can discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option and recommend a personalised treatment plan. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek a second opinion, and communicate your preferences. You are an active participant in your care decisions.

How can I prevent Liver Cancer?

While not all liver cancers are preventable, you can reduce your risk:

• Get vaccinated: Hepatitis B vaccine offers long-lasting protection.
• Get tested: Screen for hepatitis C at least once; treatments are available if positive.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Aim for a balanced weight.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Limit tobacco use and keep alcohol to one drink daily for women and two for men.
• Minimize exposure to toxins: Decrease contact with substances that can cause cancer, such as aflatoxins.
• Treat liver diseases: Manage conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis B and C.
• Exercise regularly: Stay physically active.
• Avoid anabolic steroids: Do not use them for muscle building.

Adopting healthy lifestyle choices is beneficial, even if you have liver disease. Consult your doctor about ways to enhance your liver health and the steps you can take to support it.

What's involved in Liver Cancer screening?

Liver cancer screening typically involves several tests and procedures, including:

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the liver.
• CT Scan: Utilizes X-rays to capture detailed pictures of the liver from different angles.
• MRI: Employs radio waves and a magnetic field to produce high-resolution images of the liver.
• Angiography: Involves injecting dye into a vein to visualise blood vessels in and around the liver.
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Test: Measures levels of a substance that may indicate tumor presence in the blood.

These screenings are usually performed on individuals without symptoms, and frequency depends on risk factors such as age and liver scarring. Individuals WITH A High-risk of liver cancer may need ultrasounds every six months.

Is Liver Cancer curable?

The potential for liver cancer cure depends on the stage at diagnosis:

• Very early and early-stage cancers (stages 0 and A) are often curable with timely treatment.
• Intermediate and advanced stage cancers (stages B and C) are generally not curable, but treatments can meaningfully extend life.
• Terminal cancers (stage D) have a poor prognosis, but palliative care can ease symptoms and enhance quality of life.

While these are general guidelines, every person's situation is different. Your doctor can give you a more precise prognosis based on your specific liver cancer case.

What is the life expectancy of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer survival rates vary based on the cancer stage, the person's overall health, and how well they respond to treatment. In general:

• Localized liver cancers have a 5-year survival rate of about 33%.
• Regional cancers that have spread to nearby organs have a 5-year survival rate around 11%.
• Distant cancers that have spread to farther organs have a 5-year survival rate of about 2%.

Remember, these are statistical averages. Some people live much longer than expected, while others live for a shorter time. Your doctor can give you a better idea regarding what to expect in your unique case.

Conclusion

Understanding liver cancer is important for recognising symptoms, identifying the causes, understanding its stages, and exploring treatment options. This knowledge will equip you make informed health decisions. For more information, check out Metropolis Healthcare's website. Their advanced diagnostic labs offer precise pathology testing and health check-up services. With Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to delivering reliable results and personalised care, prioritising your health has never been easier.