The liver plays a vital role in our lives, filtering the blood, aiding digestion, and removing toxins from the body. However, when it comes to liver cancer, many people may involuntarily feel a little fearful. This fear stems from the insidious nature of liver cancer in its early stages – it is neither painful nor itchy, and often harms our health silently. However, if we can grasp some key information for early identification, we may be able to get a head start in this battle against disease.
The alarm sounds: abnormal liver function cannot be ignored
The importance of liver health cannot be overstated, as it is responsible for removing harmful substances from the blood, producing key blood clotting factors, and storing energy and nutrients that are essential for life. Therefore, liver function tests (LFTs) have become an important tool for monitoring liver health. These tests can detect signs of liver damage and insufficiency, even before symptoms become apparent.
Key indicators of liver function tests include:
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase): Elevated levels of these two enzymes usually mean liver cell damage.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase): Elevated ALP levels may indicate a blockage in the liver or biliary tract.
Total bilirubin: Elevated bilirubin levels can be a sign of impaired liver ability to process red blood cell breakdown products.
Albumin: As the main protein produced by the liver, its low levels may indicate impaired liver function.
Abnormal liver function test results do not always indicate the presence of liver cancer, but they do offer the possibility of early intervention. For example, persistently elevated ALT and AST levels may be an early sign of hepatitis, which is a major risk factor for cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Deeper understanding of the meaning behind it:
Individual differences: Human differences lead to certain fluctuations in the normal range of liver function indicators. Therefore, test results should be evaluated in conjunction with personal health status, lifestyle habits, and family medical history.
Periodic testing: For middle-aged and elderly people, especially individuals with risk factors for liver disease (such as long-term alcohol consumption, history of hepatitis, etc.), regular liver function tests are recommended for early detection of problems.
Recommendations for practical action:
Have regular liver function tests, especially if you have risk factors for liver disease.
When the results are abnormal, further evaluation and advice from a medical professional should be sought.
Incorporate a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and alcohol restriction to support liver health.
Demystifying Abdominal Imaging: Your Health Gatekeeper
In the process of early identification of liver cancer, abdominal imaging is not only an important detection method, but also a key guardian. This technology uses advanced imaging equipment such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a non-invasive way to visualize what's going on inside the liver without surgery.
Ultrasound – the first line of defense
Ultrasonography is the preferred method for early screening of liver disease because of its ease of operation, non-radioactivity, and relatively low cost. It helps doctors find abnormal structures inside the liver, such as tumors or cysts, even if the changes are very small. For people at high risk of liver cancer, regular ultrasound can help detect problems early so that treatment can be taken in time.
CT scan – a window into the view
Compared to ultrasonography, CT scans provide more detailed images of the liver, which can show more subtle structural changes. Through the use of a special contrast agent, CT scans are able to reveal the vascular structure of the liver more clearly, which is essential for determining the nature of the tumor and determining whether it has invaded adjacent tissues.
MRI – a precise diagnosis with high definition
MRI is known for its excellent soft-tissue contrast and provides the most detailed images of the liver. This technique is particularly useful for detailed assessment of the liver, including the size and location of the tumor, and whether there is vascular invasion. For some conditions that are difficult to diagnose with a CT scan, MRI can provide more information to help doctors develop a more precise treatment plan.
Interpreting Blood Alerts: Changes in Serum Tumor Markers
In the process of diagnosing liver cancer, serum tumor markers are a key detection indicator, and their changes can often provide us with valuable information at an early stage without obvious symptoms. In particular, levels of α-fetal protein (AFP), which is one of the most common blood biomarkers in liver cancer patients. AFP levels should be less than 20 ng/mL in healthy adults, and a significantly elevated AFP level usually indicates the possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma or other types of liver disease.
In addition to AFP, there are several other tumor markers, such as Des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which may also change during HCC development. Although the changes in these markers are not specific to liver cancer, their abnormally elevated levels provide a means of monitoring and diagnosing liver disease.
Importantly, significant changes in tumor markers should not be overlooked, even when liver function tests such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are normal. Elevated levels of these markers may be an early sign of hepatocellular injury and indicate the need for further investigation and evaluation.
Identifying these changes does not necessarily mean a diagnosis of liver cancer, but it prompts us to perform more in-depth investigations, such as imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs, to confirm the presence of liver tumors. Early detection of liver cancer is essential to improve treatment outcomes and patient survival.