Like any other organ in the body, the liver too is vulnerable to a wide range of ailments, including liver disease which results in liver failure if left untreated. Before the person reaches the stage of liver failure, liver disease goes through 5 stages namely – inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and liver cancer. As is clear, cirrhosis and liver cancer are two different conditions, but there is a close relationship between them.
For one, consumption of alcohol is a major risk factor towards developing one or both of these conditions. Almost 70% of all people who have or had liver cancer, also had cirrhosis. This means that cirrhosis caused by some diseases can progress to cancer. However, 30% of people who have or had liver cancer had not developed cirrhosis. This means cirrhosis is only one of the reasons for developing Liver Cancer. It is important to understand the two conditions as two entities.
A healthy liver has a smooth external surface with liver-cells or tissues being distributed throughout the interior. In cirrhosis, on examination by hand ( palpation) the surface of liver feels firm, irregular and nodular (bumpy). The liver tissues inside get replaced by fibrous tissue (fibrosis) which greatly reduce the number of healthy cells that are available to carry out the functions of the liver.
Cancer is a condition when certain DNA mutations cause body cells to go through uncontrolled or abnormal division, leading to cancerous cells. Cancer can develop in any organ or tissue of the body, including the liver, in which case it is called Hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC. However, most often, HCC is secondary, or it has metastasized from cancer in other parts of the body. Primary liver-cancer or that which originates in the liver is rare. Liver cancer is deadly and the 5-year mortality figure is more than 95%.
Cirrhosis and Liver cancer can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
For more details on the above, consult a reputed, multi-specialty hospital. In addition to a hepatologist (liver specialist), you can consult a dietician or nutritionist at these hospitals. In case you or any of your dear ones are known to abuse alcohol, these hospitals could refer you to a good de-addiction center. Some of these hospitals also conduct awareness talks around liver conditions. Attending such programs will help you take precautionary measures and reduce the risk of liver conditions for you and your dear ones.
Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
This blog helps people recognize the problem accurately and not worry about it without need.
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