Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a cancer arising from the liver. Areas where there is a high frequency of liver cancer are generally developing countries where access to healthcare is limited. Individuals with most types of cirrhosis of the liver are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Cirrhosis of liver is a consequences of chronic liver disease which is characterized by the replacement of liver tissue by fibrous scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules. This liver disease leads to progressive loss of liver function.
Liver cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, unexplained fevers, ascities, jaundice, etc. The diagnosis of liver cancer is done through the following tests - Alpha-fetoprotein level, Ultrasound exam of the liver, CT scan, Biopsy, Liver function test, etc.
The treatment option in the case of liver cancer is dependent on the stage of liver cancer and the general condition of the patient. The effect of liver cancer varies depending on the stage at which the tumor is detected and when the treatment begins. The only proven cure for liver cancer is liver transplant. Other medical treatment for liver cancer includes chemotherapy, chemoembolization, ablation, and proton beam therapy. Surgery may result in a cure if there is no cirrhosis, if the liver tumour (hepatoma) is detected at an early stage. But if the tumor is large or if the liver is not working well or if there is cirrhosis then in such a case surgery may not be a good option.
The complication of liver cancer is gastrointestinal bleeding, Liver failure and Spread (metastasis) of the carcinoma.
