What is it
Liver cancer (hepatocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) is the main malignant tumor of the liver and in Italy represents the seventh cause of cancer death, with about 5,000 deaths, about 3% of cancer deaths.
Two types are distinguished: benign and malignant. The latter, depending on their origin, can be primitive or secondary.
| Liver cancer | Origin |
|---|---|
| Primitive | Liver cells |
| Secondary | Metastases of tumors that arise in other organs |
Main symptoms
In the early stages often no symptoms appear. When they manifest, they may include:
- fatigue
- pain in the upper right side of the abdomen or around the right shoulder blade
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- feeling full even after a light meal
- Unexplained weight loss
- fever
- icterus
Causes and risk factors
There are several risk factors that increase the chances of getting liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections
- Alcohol abuse
- Cigarette smoke.
- Obesity.
Less common risk factors include abuse of anabolic steroids or male hormones, arsenic contamination in drinking water, and exposure to certain industrial chemicals.
Diagnosis
Liver cancer can be diagnosed during a routine check-up, by palpation during a medical examination (which shows enlargement of the liver, spleen or other nearby organs) or accidentally by radiological investigations (CT, MRI).
The diagnosis of liver cancer is confirmed by blood tests (to assess alpha-fetoprotein levels, or AFP, and liver function), an ultrasound, a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A biopsy may be required, through which a small sample of liver tissue is taken using a needle and then examined under a microscope.
The execution of a CT scan with administration of intravenous contrast medium, preferably with spiral technique, is a very important next diagnostic step.
Therapies
The treatment of liver cancer is chosen on the basis of the characteristics of each individual patient and depends on a number of factors, including:
- Number, size and location of tumors
- liver function and the presence of cirrhosis
- spread of cancer outside the liver
- age.
Treatment options for treating liver cancer include:
- surgery
- Organ transplantation
- Ablation or minimally invasive therapies
- chemoembolization
- Drug therapy with biological agents
- radiotherapy.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.