Liver cancer is a life-threatening sickness that affects the human organ, which leads to deterioration of the vital organs. Liver cancer is also known as hepatic cancer.
The vital organ is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, leading to the purification of blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients.
When the human enemy strikes the vital organs, it disrupts these life-sustaining functions.
Understanding Liver Cancer
Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the liver grow uncontrollably. It can either originate in the liver (primary liver cancer) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic liver cancer).
A report from the National Library of Medicine in 2023 stated that globally, liver cancer ranks as the fourth most common cause of death, amounting to 800,000 deaths annually. The most vulnerable gender affected is said to be male when compared to the female gender.
Types of Liver Cancer
- Primary liver cancer originates within the liver itself and includes several subtypes:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): HCC accounts for approximately 75-80% of all liver cancers. It originates from hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver. This type is closely linked to chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): This cancer starts in the bile ducts, which are responsible for transporting bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Angiosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma: These rare types arise from the blood vessels in the liver. Their growth usually affects the skin and may appear as a bruise lesion.
Hepatoblastoma: A rare liver cancer that primarily affects children under the age of three, hepatoblastoma has a high treatment success rate when detected early.
- Secondary liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer. It occurs when cancer cells from other organs, such as the colon, lungs, or breasts, metastasise to the liver. The liver’s rich blood supply makes it a frequent target for metastasis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Liver cancer does not develop in isolation; it is often influenced by underlying conditions and environmental factors:
- Chronic Liver Diseases
Hepatitis B and C:
Chronic viral infections cause inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) of the liver, increasing the risk of HCC. Hepatitis C, in particular, is a leading cause of liver cancer in Western countries.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver from prolonged damage, caused by alcoholism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or viral hepatitis, raises the risk significantly.
- Lifestyle Factors
Alcohol Abuse:Prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis, both major risk factors.
Obesity and Diabetes:
These conditions contribute to fatty liver disease, increasing the likelihood of liver cancer.
- Environmental
Toxins Aflatoxins:
These toxins, produced by mould on improperly stored grains and nuts, are potent carcinogens linked to liver cancer.
Chemical Exposure:
Prolonged exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as vinyl chloride and arsenic, increases risk.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
- When you observed a lump below your rib cage or pain on the right side of your abdomen, or pain near your right shoulder.
- Jaundice (a disease that causes skin and eyes to yellow).
- Unexplained weight loss, nausea, or loss of appetite.
- Fatigue.