Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer that begins in the liver cells known as hepatocytes. This type of cancer is not the same as metastatic liver cancer which usually originates in another part of the body and develops in the liver. It generally occurs in individuals who already have a liver condition and is more common in people as they age. It is estimated that the liver cancer causes more than 12,000 deaths annually in the United States and appears to be detected frequently.
Causes
Hepatocellular carcinoma mostly occurs in individuals who already have a long-term liver condition or liver damage such as cirrhosis. Some of the common causes of cirrhosis include the excess amounts of alcohol consumption, hepatitis B or C, chronic inflammation of the liver, excess accumulation of iron in the body (hemochromatosis) and other autoimmune conditions of the liver. Additional risk factors include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, low immunity, lupus, diabetes and exposure to radiation.
Symptoms
An unexpected weight loss that a physician may consider significant when 10% of the body weight is lost, an enlarged abdomen that is caused by the swelling of the liver from the cancer growth or a general swelling that can develop when fluid accumulates in the abdomen known as ascites. Jaundice can occur which is the yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eyes that may develop as the result of bile duct obstruction or liver malfunction. Additional symptoms can include abdominal pain from enlarged liver, loss of appetite, vomiting, feeling bloated after consuming food, fever and sweating.
Diagnosis
The physician will enquire about the individual’s lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, family history of cancer and will perform a routine examination. The blood analysis can consist of a complete blood count, hematocrit, platelet count, alpha-fetoprotein and liver function test which may indicate elevated level if liver cancer is present. A CT or MRI scan can identify the size and location of the tumour along with an evaluation of the liver’s health. A liver biopsy involves the removal of a small section of the affected tissue in various processes such as fine needle aspiration, endoscopy or laparoscopy depending on the size of the tumour, which is examined under the microscope.
Treatment
The treatment may involve the liver surgery which removes the tumour but is based on the number, location and distribution of the masses along with the quantity of liver that can be saved. The minimal invasive laparoscopic technique involves removing the small section of the affected liver with a small incision which can make quick recovery possible. A liver tumour ablation technique involves the high amounts of heat directed at the tumour to destroy it and can include the radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation. Chemotherapy is the administration of medication that is usually delivered intravenously to destroy the cancer cells in the body. If the tumour cannot be surgically removed or has invaded other surrounding areas, this usually is an indication of no opportunity for long-term cure. In these cases, the treatment is based on extending the individual’s life as long as possible.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000280.htm
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms
