Treatment of Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis

Few things in life are as frightening as being diagnosed with liver cancer. It is a deadly disease that often comes with few warning signs or symptoms, which can make it more shocking when you learn that you have it. 

While some people are lucky enough to catch it early and receive treatment that can prolong their life, for others, it is a death sentence. Just the thought of it is enough to send a chill down your spine. However, not all people are educated about what liver cancer is, its symptoms and its diagnosis, which makes it more difficult to receive treatment on time. To spread the knowledge about liver cancer, here is all the information you need for the treatment for liver cancer.

What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. The liver is the largest organ in our body and is responsible for filtering out impurities from the blood. It also helps to produce bile, which is necessary for digestion. 

The liver is a very important organ without which our body would not be able to function properly. When the cells of the liver are attacked by cancer, its functions are affected making it weak. If these cancer cells are not treated, they may also spread to other healthy parts of the body via blood flow. 

Types of Liver Cancer

Here are the different types of liver cancer:

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma 

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary cancer of the liver that is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of hepatocytes, a type of liver cell. 

HCC is thought to arise from chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases. It is usually asymptomatic in its early stages and it’s hard to identify. When symptoms occur, they may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.

There is no sure way to prevent HCC, but reducing the risk factors for liver disease is the best approach. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. For those who already have liver disease, regular monitoring and early detection of HCC are crucial. Treatment options for HCC include surgery, liver transplantation, and chemotherapy, but the prognosis is often poor.

• Cholangiocarcinoma 

Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bile ducts. The bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Cholangiocarcinoma can occur in any part of the bile duct system, but it is most common in the area where the bile ducts leave the liver. 

Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma can include jaundice, itching, pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, and fatigue. Treatment for cholangiocarcinoma typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

• Hepatoblastoma 

Hepatoblastoma is a rare, primary liver cancer that most often affects children younger than four years old. This cancer is a malignant tumour that starts in the liver. Hepatoblastoma is usually diagnosed at an early stage before it has spread to other organs. The most common symptom of hepatoblastoma is a painless mass in the abdomen. Other symptoms may include fever, weight loss, and jaundice.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Different symptoms can be associated with liver cancer and these can vary depending on the individual and stage of cancer. Some common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and swelling, jaundice, and dark urine. 

Diagnosis

Liver cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy. Imaging tests may include ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI. Biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the liver and examined under a microscope. Liver cancer is usually staged using the TNM system, which stands for Tumour, Node, and Metastasis. The stage of cancer is a way of describing how far cancer has spread.

Treatment For Liver Cancer

Treatment for liver cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Surgery is the main treatment for the early-stage of this disease. However, liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body may require more aggressive treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

We hope the above information helped you gain some knowledge about liver cancer. By following the right cancer surgery, the disease can be controlled and the patient will be able to live a normal life healthily.