Liver cancer has been on the rise in the U.S., with rates tripling since the mid-1970s. There are 33,000 Americans diagnosed annually, and about 27,000 people will die from it each year. Unlike most cancers, liver cancer is quite preventable. Developing the disease is largely tied to certain lifestyle and health factors. However, you can search online to learn the risk factors related to liver cancer if you want to lower your chances of getting liver cancer.
People may not experience any symptoms with this disease – symptoms typically only appear once the cancer grows larger. Search online so you can be informed about liver cancer’s general symptoms so that you understand when it’s time to seek help.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
The symptoms for liver cancer are very general and can often be related to non-cancer illnesses. Of course, there’s always a chance that what you’re experiencing could be cancer. That’s why you should seek medical attention from your doctor to be tested and given a proper diagnosis.
If you notice changes happening to your health and well-being, you’ll want to look for certain signs. Symptoms that could be liver cancer-related include:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly
- Nausea or vomiting
- An enlarged liver, felt as fullness under the ribs on the right side
- An enlarged spleen, felt as fullness under the rubs on the left side
- Pain in the belly or near the right shoulder blade
- Swelling or fluid build-up in the belly
- Itching
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
There is a greater chance of these symptoms appearing due to liver cancer depending on how many risk factors you possess.
Risk Factors
Sometimes, liver cancer can form without an explanation. DNA mutations can cause cells to grow out of control and eventually form a cancerous tumor. But there are also several factors that can be linked to developing this condition.
Risk factors for liver cancer include:
- Chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Cirrhosis, which is a progressive and irreversible condition causing scar tissue to form in the liver
- Inherited liver diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease
- Diabetes
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Exposure to aflatoxins, a poison that can contaminate crops such as grains and nuts
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Some of these factors, such as diabetes or inherited diseases, are not preventable. But you can reduce your risk by drinking alcohol in moderation and maintaining a healthy weight. Make sure you’re vaccinated against hepatitis B and stay vigilant to prevent contracting hepatitis C.
How Liver Cancer is Diagnosed
Most liver cancer cases are caught during a routine test after patients mention a problem with their livers. If you’re experiencing any potential symptoms of liver cancer, see your doctor as soon as possible. You won’t know if it’s cancer until you undergo testing.
A doctor will go through your health history to learn all about your symptoms, risk factors and past medical issues like cirrhosis and hepatitis B. A physical exam will involve feeling the abdomen to find out if it’s larger or whether there is fluid build-up. They will also check for yellowing eyes or skin, as well as swelling in the legs and feet.
Patients will typically be given a blood chemistry test and liver function test. The liver function test doesn’t diagnose cancer, but it can show if there are problems with the liver. A blood test will also show whether or not the patient has a form of hepatitis.
Another method that helps diagnose liver cancer is a CT scan. The test is done four times to determine the tumour’s size, shape and location. If cancer is detected with a CT scan, it eliminates the need to do a liver biopsy.
Treatments for Liver Cancer
After patients are diagnosed with liver cancer, the cancer will be classified into a stage. There are five main stages of cancer that range from very early stage (tumor causing no symptoms) to end stage (cancer causes symptoms and spreads to other parts of the body). The stage will help doctors determine a course of action for treatment.
It’s possible for early stages of liver cancer with small tumors to be cured through surgery. If it’s in an early stage but the liver isn’t healthy enough, a patient may be given a liver transplant. This could also be an option for people with tumors that are too difficult to remove for surgery.
If surgery or a transplant isn’t possible for patients, there are other options. Ablation is a treatment that destroys liver tumors with a needle without removing them. Embolization therapy is another method that injects substances directly into an artery in the liver to block or reduce the blood flow to a tumor in the liver.
Other possible forms of treatment include:
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trials
Doctors may be given a combination of treatments to remove the cancer or minimize symptoms. For those in early stages, the average five-year survival rate is 33 percent. This makes it vital for patients experiencing symptoms to see their doctor as soon as possible and get diagnosed.
Search Online To Learn More About Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a serious condition that takes thousands of lives every year. But you can do your best to prevent developing the disease a few easy ways. This includes controlling your alcohol consumption, getting a hepatitis B shot, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Learn more about the risk factors involved with liver cancer by searching online. Understanding them can lower your chances of a diagnosis and help you know when it’s time to seek medical attention.