Liver Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in our body. When the cancer originates in the liver, it is called a Liver Cancer. There are two ways in which liver cancer could originate. Abnormal growth in the tissues of the liver is called primary liver cancer. Because all the blood in the body must pass through the liver at some point, cancer cells travelling in the bloodstream could end up affecting the liver. This is known as secondary metastatic liver cancer.
What are the risk factors for Liver Cancer?
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Being Male – Males are more prone to liver cancers when compared with females.
- Being obese and/or having diabetes
- A history of other liver diseases like hepatitis B and C or Liver Cirrhosis.
What are the symptoms of Liver Cancer?
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- General weakness and fatigue
- An enlarged liver, felt on the right side
- An enlarged spleen, felt on the left side
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to jaundice
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
- Ultrasound
- CT/CAT Scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Angiogram
- Laparoscopy
- Biopsy
- Molecular testing
Treatment options
- Surgical treatment
- Liver Transplant
- Medication Therapy and management
- Radiation therapy
- Cryotherapy