Liver cancer happens when liver cells grow and divide too fast and can't be controlled. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other body parts. Liver cancer can also start from cancer in another body part and then spread to the liver.
Liver cancer that starts directly in the liver is called primary liver cancer. Liver cancer that starts somewhere else and spreads to the liver is called liver metastases or secondary liver cancer, which is the most common type.
In this article, we'll learn about liver cancer types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Types of liver cancer
There are five main types of primary liver cancer, meaning cancer that starts in liver cells,These types include:
1. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
This is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It starts in the main liver cells that process nutrients in the blood. People who have a history of conditions or behaviors that cause liver inflammation or scarring, like long-term hepatitis B or C infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or alcohol use, often get it.
2. Fibrolamellar carcinoma
Also called fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma FLL-HCC, this is a rare type of liver cancer. It mostly happens in teens and young adults under 40 who don’t have liver disease or other known risk factors. This type is the least aggressive form of primary liver cancer.
3. Cholangiocarcinoma
This is the second most common primary liver cancer. It starts in cells in the bile ducts, which are tubes that move bile from the liver to the gallbladder where bile is stored to help digest food. Cholangiocarcinoma often occurs in people who had hepatitis B or C infections, bile duct inflammation, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
4. Liver angiosarcoma
This type develops along the inner linings of blood and lymph vessels. It usually happens in adults in their 60s or 70s but can also affect children. It’s a very aggressive form of liver cancer. About 30% of liver angiosarcoma cases are linked to chemical industry risk factors.
5. Hepatoblastoma
It's a type of primary liver cancer that forms from tissues in the liver. It's the most common liver cancer in children, usually happening before age three. This cancer includes a small tumor that can be fully removed by surgery.
Symptoms of liver cancer
Many symptoms of liver cancer aren't unique to it and can appear in other cases. Most symptoms only show up in advanced stages. Early diagnosis can help get more effective treatment.
Common symptoms of liver cancer include:
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Unexplained weight loss or gain.
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Loss of appetite.
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Feeling very full after a small meal.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Swelling or bloating of the belly.
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Jaundice or yellowing.
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Severe itching.
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Repeated fever without a clear cause.
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Unusual bruising or bleeding.
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Dark urine.
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Light or pale stool.
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Feeling pain in the upper right belly or near the right shoulder blade.
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Feeling full or a lump under the ribs on the right side due to liver enlargement.
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Feeling full or a lump under the ribs on the left side due to spleen enlargement.
Also, some liver tumors make hormones that affect other organs besides the liver. These hormones can cause symptoms called paraneoplastic syndromes, which include:
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High calcium levels in the blood.
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Low blood sugar.
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Too many red blood cells.
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High cholesterol levels in the blood.
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Breast enlargement in males (gynecomastia).
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Testicle shrinkage.
Causes of liver cancer
The exact causes of liver cancer are unknown. Liver cancer happens when the cell's DNA changes and the cell turns cancerous. Normally, the cell's DNA has genes that tell the cell how to grow, reproduce, and die.
When the DNA in cells changes, abnormal liver cells start growing uncontrollably, live longer than they should, and turn cancerous. These liver cancer cells can spread to nearby tissues and eventually other parts of the body.
Also, there might be genetic causes of liver cancer we can't control. But you can lower your risk by understanding common risk factors and working to change them.
Besides that, risk factors that increase chances of liver cancer include:-
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Being overweight or obese.
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Infection with hepatitis B or C virus.
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Smoking.
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Alcohol consumption.
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Liver cirrhosis.
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Having diabetes.
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Eating foods that contain aflatoxin B1.
How liver cancer is diagnosed
Diagnosing liver cancer usually involves physical exams and special medical tests, andThese tests may include:-
1. Physical exams
Physical exams for liver cancer diagnosis include taking medical and family history and discussing symptoms. The healthcare provider also checks for lumps, bumps, or jaundice that might indicate liver cancer.
2. Blood tests
Some blood tests can help diagnose liver cancer including:
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AFP test.
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Complete blood count (CBC).
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Blood tests for hepatitis B or C.
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Liver function test.
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Blood clotting tests.
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Blood glucose levels.
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Blood calcium levels.
3. Imaging tests
The following imaging tests can be used to diagnose liver cancer:-
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Ultrasound.
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CT scan.
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MRI.
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Blood vessel imaging.
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Bone imaging.
4. Biopsy
A biopsy removes a tissue sample to test for cancer. These types of liver biopsies can help diagnose liver cancer:-
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Needle biopsy.
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Endoscopic biopsy.
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Surgical biopsy.
Liver cancer treatment options
Liver cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the disease stage and liver health, andAvailable treatment options include:-
1. Surgery
Surgery is the best option to treat liver cancer, andSurgical options may include:-
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Liver resection surgery.
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Minimally invasive liver surgery.
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Liver transplant surgery.
2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to break down and destroy the genetic material inside cancer cells in the liver. It can also ease discomfort caused by an enlarged liver or spleen.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs that destroy cancer cells in different ways. A combination of drugs can help destroy or slow down cancer cell growth.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses drugs to boost the immune system’s natural response to fight cancer cells in the liver.
5. Local treatments
Local treatments are given directly to liver cancer cells.
6. Targeted Therapy
Targeted drugs block substances needed for cancer growth. These drugs can kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
