LIVER CANCER
22 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Liver is an important organ which helps in removing toxins from the body. Cancer that starts from other parts of the body and spread to the liver is known as metastatic cancer and is more common than the liver cancer. When the cells of the liver becomes cancerous, it is known as liver cancer. It forms the malignant hepatic tumors in and around the liver that makes the situation severe and life threatening due to improper functioning of liver.
CAUSES –
- Over consumption of alcohol and tobacco
- Diabetes
- Mutation in DNA
- Hepatitis B and C
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Weakened immune system
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- High fever
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Weight loss
- Symptoms of Jaundice can be observed
DIAGNOSIS –
- Blood Tests
- Imaging Tests like Ultrasound, MRI, CT Scan
- Liver Biopsy – Examination of a liver tissue sample
- Laparoscopy – An optical instrument inserted inside the abdomen to view the organs and perform minor surgery.
TREATMENT –
- Laparoscopy – An optical instrument inserted inside the abdomen to view the organs and perform minor surgery.
- For removing tumor
- For liver transplant
- Radiofrequency ablation for destroying the cells
- Cryoablation – Extreme cold temperature to freeze the cancerous cells
- Alcohol Injections – Alcohol is used to kill the tumor cells
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Immunotherapy
PREVENTION –
- Over consumption of alcohol
- Pre-existing conditions such as Hepatitis B and C
- Cirrhosis which builds the scar tissue on liver that might lead to liver cancer
PREVENTION –
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Hepatitis Vaccination
- Balanced healthy diet
- Maintain weight
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- Eastern countries are majorly affected with liver cancer as per the estimation.
- The global mortality rate for this disease is 9.5 per 100,000 population in which males were 14.3 and females were 5.1.