Liver Cancer: Life-Threatening Disease

     Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma, is a disease caused by abnormal liver cells that multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor in the liver. Cancer cells may also spread to other organs, such as the lungs and bones.

What Causes Liver Cancer?

     Most liver cancer cases arise from cirrhosis, which can result from various factors, including regular alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, and chronic infections with hepatitis B or C viruses. Additionally, liver cancer may develop from chronic hepatitis B infection or long-term fatty liver disease without necessarily having cirrhosis.

The Symptoms

Liver cancer often has no signs or symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms become noticeable as the cancer progresses, which may include:

• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side; in some cases, the pain may radiate to the back or shoulder
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite or a lack of desire to eat
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever without an obvious cause.
• A noticeable lump in the liver area
• Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Liver Cancer Treatment

1.  Surgery Surgical Treatment

     The treatment is considered for patients with well-functioning livers, tumors smaller than 5 centimeters, and no spread to nearby blood vessels or other organs.

2.  Liver Transplantation 

     This option is considered for liver cancer patients with cirrhosis, as it can treat both cancer and cirrhosis simultaneously. This method is most effective when the tumor is small and has not spread to nearby organs.

3.  Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) 

     This treatment uses high-frequency waves that convert into heat energy to destroy liver cancer cells. It is effective for tumors that are not too large, generally those smaller than 3 centimeters and away from major blood vessels.

4.  Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) 

     TACE Treatment involves injecting chemotherapy drugs or radiopharmaceuticals directly into the tumor, which destroys cancer cells. It also consists in injecting substances to block blood flow to the tumor. TACE is suitable for patients whose tumors are too large or located near vital organs, making surgery impossible.

5.  Systemic Chemotherapy

     This option is considered for patients who do not respond to the aforementioned treatments. Current treatment choices include targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the physician.

Reduce the Risk of Liver Cancer

• Avoid risk factors and manage hepatitis B and C infections
• Refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Consult a doctor if there is a family history of hepatitis B
• Regular health check-ups are recommended, as early-stage liver disease often shows no symptoms.

Last updated:

September 14, 2022