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What is Liver Cancer
Causes
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with hepatic cancer, more commonly known as liver cancer, you may still be reeling from this news and wondering about the future. Unlike some well-known types of cancer (such as breast, pancreas or prostate), hepatic cancer is fairly uncommon, and you could find yourself desperately scrambling for more information about what is to come. Read on to learn more about some of the signs and symptoms that may be attributable to your liver cancer, as well as some of the treatment options intended to eradicate cancer cells and send you into remission.
What is Liver Cancer?
There are two types of liver cancer – one that originates from liver cells (hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoma) or bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), the other is known as metastatic liver cancer. Metastatic liver cancer is caused by the spread of a primary cancer such as the colon, pancreas or lung to the liver. The cancer cells in the liver are similar to the tumor of origin.
Causes of Liver Cancer
There are several types of liver cancer, either originating in the liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease or liver cancer coming from another cancer (metastasis). One of the more common metastatic cancers is from the colon.
In many cases, your doctor may be able to pinpoint a certain cause (or set of causes) of your cancer, but often the cause is unknown.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer
The symptoms of liver cancer can often overlap with other liver issues, like hepatitis or cirrhosis. Unexplained weight loss combined with chalky or clay-colored stools or vomiting could indicate a disturbance in your liver’s function. Other symptoms include stomach pain that tends to be concentrated on your right side, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Often, however, there are little symptoms and liver cancer is found by an X-Ray such as a CAT scan or MRI.
Diagnosis
It is important to take a thorough history, perform a physical examination, check blood tests, get specific XRays and sometimes perform a liver biopsy.
History
- Exposure to hepatitis, alcohol, previous history of cancer, weight loss, family history, previous surgeries, occupation as it relates to chemical exposure.
Examination
- Look for jaundice (yellow eyes), dark urine, a mass on abdominal examination
X-Rays
- Ultrasound is a good screening test but more sensitive and specific tests such as high-resolution CT scan and MRI should be done to evaluate the size, location and number of tumors. It is also important to assess the proximity to other structures such as blood vessels, bile ducts as well as possible spread to other organs.
Biopsy
- A needle biopsy is often needed to sample the tumor to evaluate the type of liver cancer. The pathologist can help determine the cell of origin which is essential in planning the most effective treatment.
Sources:
https://www.medicinenet.com/liver_cancer_hepatocellular_carcinoma/article.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172408.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-cancer/home/ovc-20198165
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-liver-cancer-basic-information#1
