What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is a malignant tumor, cancer that occurs in the tissues of the liver. It originates from hepatocytes or cholangiocells and can be divided into two types: primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer.
- Primary liver cancer: Cancer that initially forms in the liver. It is often associated with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatitis B or C infection. These factors can lead to structural and functional changes in the liver, which can contribute to the development of cancer. There are two main common types of primary liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma originates from the main cell type of the liver, known as hepatocytes, while cholangiocarcinoma originates from cholangiocells within the liver.
- Metastatic liver cancer: Also known as secondary liver cancer, it is the result of cancer cells from other sites spreading to the liver. In this case, the liver is not the primary site of cancer, but because the liver is one of the largest organs in the body, it often becomes the site of metastasis for other cancers, such as stomach cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, etc.
The development of liver cancer is usually a gradual process. In advanced stages, symptoms may include abdominal discomfort or pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, etc. Liver cancer can also lead to other serious complications such as liver failure, internal bleeding, and ascitic fluid buildup.
What causes liver cancer?
1. Chronic liver disease: Long-standing chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, and alcohol-related liver disease, are among the most common risk factors for liver cancer. These diseases cause inflammation and damage to liver tissue, gradually leading to abnormal proliferation and carcinogenesis of liver cells.
2. Viral infection: Chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of liver cancer. These two viruses can cause persistent hepatitis and liver cell damage, eventually leading to cancer. Therefore, vaccination against hepatitis B and measures to prevent the spread of the virus are important to reduce the risk of liver cancer.
3. Alcoholism: Long-term excessive drinking can cause damage to the liver, causing fatty liver, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which in turn increases the risk of liver cancer.
4. Fatty liver: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disease associated with metabolic syndromes such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Long-standing fatty liver may evolve into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver cancer.
5. Genetic factors: Certain gene mutations or genetic lesions, such as Huntington's disease, Wilms tumor, etc., may increase the risk of liver cancer in patients.
6. Certain chemicals and carcinogens: Exposure to some chemicals, harmful substances or carcinogens (such as mycotoxins, benzopyrene, etc.) may lead to the occurrence of liver cancer for a long time.
7. Other factors: Obesity, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, diabetes, high blood pressure, and long-term treatment of liver disease (such as long-term use of certain drugs or hormones) may also be associated with the development of liver cancer.
The occurrence of liver cancer is often the result of the interaction of multiple factors. For high-risk groups, measures such as regular check-ups, vaccinations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and active management of chronic liver disease can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
How long does it take for liver cancer to develop?
The development time of liver cancer varies according to individual differences and different reasons. Usually, the development of liver cancer is a gradual process, and it can take years or even longer from the abnormal proliferation of liver cells to the eventual formation of cancer.
In most cases, liver cancer is closely related to the development of chronic liver disease. For example, long-standing liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, and alcohol-related liver disease can cause inflammation and damage to liver tissue, which in turn contributes to abnormal proliferation and carcinogenesis of liver cells. This process can take years to decades.
However, it is important to note that not all chronic liver diseases develop into liver cancer. Only a small number of patients will experience this transition. Other factors, such as genetics, viral infections, diet and lifestyle, can also play a role in the development of liver cancer.
In addition, the rate of growth and progression of liver cancer also varies from individual to individual. Some liver cancers may begin to grow and spread rapidly at an early stage, while others may progress more slowly.
What are the early symptoms of liver cancer?
1. Abdominal pain or discomfort: You may feel dull pain, discomfort or tenderness in your abdomen.
2. Weight loss: Weight loss for no apparent reason may be related to loss of appetite, digestive problems, or metabolic changes.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite may occur.
4. Fatigue and fatigue: Feeling tired for a long time, exhausted, or unable to concentrate.
5. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which may be caused by the accumulation of bilirubin due to impaired liver function.
6. Abdominal mass: A lump or lump can be palpated in the abdomen.
7. General malaise: Symptoms such as unexplained general malaise, fever or night sweats may occur.
These symptoms are not necessarily associated with liver cancer and may also be manifestations of other diseases. If the above symptoms or risk factors for liver cancer occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for comprehensive evaluation and further examination to confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What tests can detect early liver cancer?
1. Ultrasonography (ultrasound): Ultrasonography is one of the most commonly used screening tools to observe structural and abnormal changes in the liver through sonic images. It can help detect liver tumors or other abnormalities.
2. Blood marker detection: blood markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatocyte growth factor (IGF), etc., can be used to assess liver function and tumor marker levels. These markers may be elevated in some patients with liver cancer, but they are not specific and are often evaluated in conjunction with other tests.
3. CT scan: Computed tomography (CT) scans use X-rays and computed reconstruction images to provide detailed information about the structure of the liver. It can help detect masses, lesions, and metastases within the liver.
4. MRI scan: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and lossless radio waves to produce detailed three-dimensional images. MRI is very useful for detecting liver cancer and assessing the nature and location of tumors.
5. Contrast examination: Hepatic arteriography (Hepatic arteriography is an invasive examination method, which can provide detailed vascular structure information and tumor blood supply by injecting contrast media to observe the blood vessel system of the liver.
These tests are usually chosen by the doctor according to the patient's specific situation. If there are risk factors or symptoms of early liver cancer, timely medical attention for screening and diagnosis will help to detect liver cancer early and take appropriate treatment measures.
How to prevent liver cancer?
1. Vaccination: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading causes of liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccination can effectively prevent hepatitis B infection, thereby reducing the risk of liver cancer.
2. Avoid exposure to carcinogens: Try to avoid long-term exposure to chemicals, toxic substances and carcinogens that may be harmful to the liver, such as tobacco, alcohol, hair dyes, certain pesticides, etc.
3. Control alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver cancer. Men drinking more than two standard drinks per day and women drinking more than one standard drink per day are considered excessive drinking. Moderate alcohol control, or preferably abstaining altogether, can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
4. Eat wisely: Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, consume rich vegetables, fruits, whole grains and high-quality protein, and reduce saturated fat and salt intake. Proper weight control and avoiding obesity also have a positive effect on the prevention of liver cancer.
5. Regular physical examination: Conduct regular physical examination, including liver function test, hepatitis B virus marker test, etc. Early detection of liver cancer or liver lesions may improve cure rates and prognosis.
6. Follow safety measures: Follow safety protocols such as proper use of condoms and avoid sharing syringes and needles to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
7. Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including moderate exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction, etc., can strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Although taking these precautions can reduce the risk of liver cancer, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of liver cancer.
Liver cancer is a serious disease, but with early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and a healthy lifestyle, cure rates and prognosis can be improved. If you have any liver-related discomfort or concerns, please consult a doctor for professional advice.