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Among all oncological diseases, liver cancer occupies a confident sixth place. As is the case with many other types of cancer, it is very important to find it early in order for the treatment to be effective. And although only a doctor can notice some symptoms, there are several important points that will help you not to miss a dangerous disease.
Oncologist, hematologist, radiation therapist of the highest category, doctor of medical sciences, professor, excellent health worker of the Russian Federation, head of the SM-Clinic Cancer Center Alexander Seryakov told what you need to know about liver cancer in order to identify and cure it in time.
1. Understand the forms of liver cancer
Oncologists distinguish between primary and secondary forms of liver cancer.
Primary liver cancer — a malignant neoplasm growing from hepatocytes (cells that make up 80% of the total mass of the liver). The most common form of primary cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which accounts for about 600 cases each year.
Secondary liver cancer — metastases of malignant tumors of other organs (intestine, prostate, lung, breast and some others) to the liver. This form of cancer occurs about 20 times more often than primary.
2. Understand your risk factors
Understanding risk factors is important in order to see your doctor regularly if you need to. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer include:
infection with hepatitis B and C viruses;
cirrhosis of the liver;
some hereditary liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis (impaired iron metabolism with its accumulation in organs and tissues) and Wilson’s disease (impaired copper metabolism with its accumulation in organs and tissues);
diabetes;
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease;
excessive alcohol consumption;
parasitic infections of the liver;
long-term use of anabolic steroids.
3. Be aware of the symptoms
Most people have no specific symptoms in the early stages. However, when they appear, it is important to pay attention to:
swelling or bloating of the abdomen;
aching pain in right side;
loss of appetite;
digestive disorders;
weight loss for no reason;
nausea and vomiting;
atypical weakness, fatigue, general malaise.
With advanced cancer, jaundice, characterized by yellowness of the skin and whites of the eyes, and white (chalky) stools join the symptoms.
4. Don’t be afraid to go to the doctor
Diagnostics
If you find yourself feeling unwell, knowing exactly your risk factors, or noticing worrying symptoms, it’s important to see an oncologist as soon as possible. Diagnosis of primary liver cancer is based on an integrated approach that includes:
examination (with palpation, a specialist can often diagnose an enlarged liver);
a blood test for the oncomarker of primary liver cancer AFP (alpha-fetoprotein);
ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
computed tomography (CT or PET/CT);
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
puncture (percutaneous) biopsy followed by histological examination.
Treatment
Depending on when liver cancer was diagnosed, surgical and drug therapies may be needed.
Removal of the tumor or metastases in secondary cancer is the main treatment.
Chemo- (including targeted) therapy can be used additionally.
Chemoembolization of the liver (blockage of blood vessels that feed the tumor) and cryodestruction (destruction of metastases using low temperatures), radiofrequency and microwave ablation, radionuclide therapy are other methods that are used in the treatment of cancer.
It is very important to understand that liver cancer, both primary and secondary, is successfully treated. The main thing is to pay attention to alarm calls and immediately go to the reception.