Health Disease

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What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer wherein the growth and spread of unhealthy cells starts forming in the liver. Cancer that typically begins in the liver is known as primary liver cancer whereas the Cancer that spreads from another organ to the liver is called metastatic liver cancer. The most common type of primary liver cancer is Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver cancer. Liver cancer comprises of malignant hepatic tumors either inside or on the liver. Studies state that the survival rate of liver cancer is extremely low.

Causes of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is caused when liver cells develop mutations in their DNA. A cell's DNA is nothing but the material providing instructions for every chemical process that happens in your body. DNA mutations leads to changes in these instructions. One result shows that the cells may start to grow out of control and finally form a tumor which is nothing but a mass of cancerous cells.

At times, the liver cancer causes are known, like with chronic hepatitis infections. But at times, liver cancer causes are not known. Say for instance, some people may get liver cancer who has no underlying diseases and therefore, the causes are not known.

Risk factors

We have mentioned certain factors below that tend to increase the risk of primary liver cancer:

  • Certain inherited liver diseases: Certain liver diseases such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis increase your risk of developing liver cancer.
  • Diabetes: People having diabetes have blood sugar disorder. This is the reason they have a higher risk of liver cancer than the people who don't have diabetes.
  • Chronic infection with HBV or HCV: Your liver cancer risks are increased due to any chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • Cirrhosis: This is a medical condition that results in scaring of the tissues that ultimately forms in your liver and thereby your risk of developing liver cancer increases.
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: If there is fat accumulated in the liver, may also lead to an increased risk of liver cancer.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption: It is proven that liver cancer causes are mainly due to excessive intake of alcohol. This may lead to irreversible liver damage and thereby increase your risk of liver cancer. Some of the liver cancer symptoms are nausea, chalky stools, white stools, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, weakness, yellowing of the skin, easily bleeding, etc.

Types of Liver Cancer

Mentioned below are the 4 main types of primary liver cancer:

  1. Hepatocellular carcinoma
    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is also called as hepatoma, which is the most common type of liver cancer that is said to account for 75 % of all liver cancers. This is the condition that develops in the hepatocytes and that are the predominant liver cells and can then start spreading from the liver to the other parts of the body namely pancreas, stomach and intestines. This type of liver cancer usually occurs in those liver is damaged because of excessive alcohol intake.
  2. Cholangiocarcinoma
    Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of liver cancer which is also called as bile duct cancer that develops in the small tube-like bile ducts in the liver. These ducts finally carry bile to the gallbladder to aid with digestion.
  3. Liver Angiosarcoma
    Liver angiosarcoma is a type of liver cancer which is rare and that begins in the blood vessels of the liver. This is a type of liver cancer that progresses fast and thus in most of the cases is diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
  4. Hepatoblastoma
    Hepatoblastoma is a type of liver cancer that occurs mostly in children who are below 3 years and therefore is a rare type of liver cancer. Liver cancer treatment for this type of liver cancer is chemotherapy and surgery. It is said that in case this type of liver cancer is detected in the early stages, survival rate is almost 90%.

Treatment

What should you do in case your Liver cancer worsens?

It is advisable to visit a doctor immediately in case you feel that your liver cancer symptoms are worsening. Your doctor may order imaging tests, blood tests and also remove a sample of your liver tissue for the purpose of testing. Nevertheless, liver cancer prevention can be done by maintaining a healthy weight, drinking alcohol in moderation, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, etc.

What are the available Liver cancer treatment options?

Liver cancer treatment may vary from one person to another depending on factors such as the size, number and the location of the tumor in the liver, whether the person has cirrhosis, whether the tumor has begun spreading to other parts of the body or whether the liver is functioning or not.

Mentioned below are some of the Liver cancer treatments that your doctor may recommend depending on the above mentioned factors:

  • Hepatectomy

A hepatectomy is a treatment that is performed for removing either a portion or the entire liver. This type of liver cancer treatment is done when the doctors tell that the cancer is confined only to the liver. Meanwhile, the balance healthy tissues will then regrow and then replace the missing part.

  • Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is a type of liver treatment wherein the entire diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a suitable donor. In case the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the organs, the transplant can be performed.

  • Ablation

Ablation is a liver cancer treatment that involves the usage of heat or ethanol injections for destroying the cancer cells and is done with the help of local anesthesia. Liver cancer patients that doesn’t need a liver transplant or a surgery, is asked for this liver cancer treatment - Ablation.

  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is cancer treatment that helps in destroying the cancer cells. These medications are injected intravenously, or via a vein. Chemotherapy is said to be the most effective liver cancer treatment. However, the side effects of this treatment are very extreme such as decreased appetite, vomiting, and chills.

  • Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is also an effective liver cancer treatment involving the usage of high-energy radiation beams that kills the cancer cells. This process may be delivered either by external beam radiation or with the help of internal radiation.

  • Targeted Therapy

Wherever the cancer cells are vulnerable, the targeted therapy is used with the help of medications that are useful to hit cancer cells. They help in decreasing the growth of the tumor growth and thereby help in shutting down the blood supply to the tumor.

  • Embolization and Chemoembolization

Embolization and chemoembolization are liver cancer treatments that are done via surgeries, for blocking the hepatic artery.

Alternative medicine

Certain alternative liver cancer treatments may help in controlling the pain in people with advanced liver cancer. In order to cope up with the pain, you should ask your doctor about alternative liver cancer treatments such as:

  • Hypnosis
  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Massage

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Liver cancer?

Mentioned below are some of the homemade remedies for liver cancer:

  • Turmeric: Turmeric is rich in antiseptic and antioxidant properties and therefore is useful to keep the liver healthy. It helps in prevention of multiplication of the viruses leading to hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • Papaya: Papaya being one of the safest home-made remedies for liver cancer treatment, it helps in cases of liver cirrhosis. In order to keep the conditions related to liver away, you should combine some lemon juice along with papaya juice and consumer daily.
  • Apple cider vinegar: This helps in liver cancer treatment by detoxifying the liver.
  • Indian gooseberry: This is also known as amla and has liver-protective properties. It helps in optimal liver function since it is rich in Vitamin C.
  • Carrot and spinach juice: In cases such as liver cirrhosis, carrot and spinach juice should be consumed in equal proportions for liver repair.
  • Flax seeds: Flax seeds help in prevention of hormones from circulating in the blood and thereby reducing the strain on the liver.

When to see a doctor?

It is important that you take an appointment with your doctor in case you experience any signs or symptoms of liver cancer that starts worrying you.

Health Disease

Your body is the most priceless possession. After all, you have to dwell in it! So take care of it with a right Health Insurance Plan.

  • REACH OUT

    Need Help in choosing right product

ORplease reach out to us at (022) 4891 3051

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer wherein the growth and spread of unhealthy cells starts forming in the liver. Cancer that typically begins in the liver is known as primary liver cancer whereas the Cancer that spreads from another organ to the liver is called metastatic liver cancer. The most common type of primary liver cancer is Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver cancer. Liver cancer comprises of malignant hepatic tumors either inside or on the liver. Studies state that the survival rate of liver cancer is extremely low.

Causes of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is caused when liver cells develop mutations in their DNA. A cell's DNA is nothing but the material providing instructions for every chemical process that happens in your body. DNA mutations leads to changes in these instructions. One result shows that the cells may start to grow out of control and finally form a tumor which is nothing but a mass of cancerous cells.

At times, the liver cancer causes are known, like with chronic hepatitis infections. But at times, liver cancer causes are not known. Say for instance, some people may get liver cancer who has no underlying diseases and therefore, the causes are not known.

Risk factors

We have mentioned certain factors below that tend to increase the risk of primary liver cancer:

  • Certain inherited liver diseases: Certain liver diseases such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis increase your risk of developing liver cancer.
  • Diabetes: People having diabetes have blood sugar disorder. This is the reason they have a higher risk of liver cancer than the people who don't have diabetes.
  • Chronic infection with HBV or HCV: Your liver cancer risks are increased due to any chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • Cirrhosis: This is a medical condition that results in scaring of the tissues that ultimately forms in your liver and thereby your risk of developing liver cancer increases.
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: If there is fat accumulated in the liver, may also lead to an increased risk of liver cancer.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption: It is proven that liver cancer causes are mainly due to excessive intake of alcohol. This may lead to irreversible liver damage and thereby increase your risk of liver cancer. Some of the liver cancer symptoms are nausea, chalky stools, white stools, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, weakness, yellowing of the skin, easily bleeding, etc.

Types of Liver Cancer

Mentioned below are the 4 main types of primary liver cancer:

  1. Hepatocellular carcinoma
    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is also called as hepatoma, which is the most common type of liver cancer that is said to account for 75 % of all liver cancers. This is the condition that develops in the hepatocytes and that are the predominant liver cells and can then start spreading from the liver to the other parts of the body namely pancreas, stomach and intestines. This type of liver cancer usually occurs in those liver is damaged because of excessive alcohol intake.
  2. Cholangiocarcinoma
    Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of liver cancer which is also called as bile duct cancer that develops in the small tube-like bile ducts in the liver. These ducts finally carry bile to the gallbladder to aid with digestion.
  3. Liver Angiosarcoma
    Liver angiosarcoma is a type of liver cancer which is rare and that begins in the blood vessels of the liver. This is a type of liver cancer that progresses fast and thus in most of the cases is diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
  4. Hepatoblastoma
    Hepatoblastoma is a type of liver cancer that occurs mostly in children who are below 3 years and therefore is a rare type of liver cancer. Liver cancer treatment for this type of liver cancer is chemotherapy and surgery. It is said that in case this type of liver cancer is detected in the early stages, survival rate is almost 90%.

Treatment

What should you do in case your Liver cancer worsens?

It is advisable to visit a doctor immediately in case you feel that your liver cancer symptoms are worsening. Your doctor may order imaging tests, blood tests and also remove a sample of your liver tissue for the purpose of testing. Nevertheless, liver cancer prevention can be done by maintaining a healthy weight, drinking alcohol in moderation, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, etc.

What are the available Liver cancer treatment options?

Liver cancer treatment may vary from one person to another depending on factors such as the size, number and the location of the tumor in the liver, whether the person has cirrhosis, whether the tumor has begun spreading to other parts of the body or whether the liver is functioning or not.

Mentioned below are some of the Liver cancer treatments that your doctor may recommend depending on the above mentioned factors:

  • Hepatectomy

A hepatectomy is a treatment that is performed for removing either a portion or the entire liver. This type of liver cancer treatment is done when the doctors tell that the cancer is confined only to the liver. Meanwhile, the balance healthy tissues will then regrow and then replace the missing part.

  • Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is a type of liver treatment wherein the entire diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a suitable donor. In case the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the organs, the transplant can be performed.

  • Ablation

Ablation is a liver cancer treatment that involves the usage of heat or ethanol injections for destroying the cancer cells and is done with the help of local anesthesia. Liver cancer patients that doesn’t need a liver transplant or a surgery, is asked for this liver cancer treatment - Ablation.

  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is cancer treatment that helps in destroying the cancer cells. These medications are injected intravenously, or via a vein. Chemotherapy is said to be the most effective liver cancer treatment. However, the side effects of this treatment are very extreme such as decreased appetite, vomiting, and chills.

  • Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is also an effective liver cancer treatment involving the usage of high-energy radiation beams that kills the cancer cells. This process may be delivered either by external beam radiation or with the help of internal radiation.

  • Targeted Therapy

Wherever the cancer cells are vulnerable, the targeted therapy is used with the help of medications that are useful to hit cancer cells. They help in decreasing the growth of the tumor growth and thereby help in shutting down the blood supply to the tumor.

  • Embolization and Chemoembolization

Embolization and chemoembolization are liver cancer treatments that are done via surgeries, for blocking the hepatic artery.

Alternative medicine

Certain alternative liver cancer treatments may help in controlling the pain in people with advanced liver cancer. In order to cope up with the pain, you should ask your doctor about alternative liver cancer treatments such as:

  • Hypnosis
  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Massage

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Liver cancer?

Mentioned below are some of the homemade remedies for liver cancer:

  • Turmeric: Turmeric is rich in antiseptic and antioxidant properties and therefore is useful to keep the liver healthy. It helps in prevention of multiplication of the viruses leading to hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • Papaya: Papaya being one of the safest home-made remedies for liver cancer treatment, it helps in cases of liver cirrhosis. In order to keep the conditions related to liver away, you should combine some lemon juice along with papaya juice and consumer daily.
  • Apple cider vinegar: This helps in liver cancer treatment by detoxifying the liver.
  • Indian gooseberry: This is also known as amla and has liver-protective properties. It helps in optimal liver function since it is rich in Vitamin C.
  • Carrot and spinach juice: In cases such as liver cirrhosis, carrot and spinach juice should be consumed in equal proportions for liver repair.
  • Flax seeds: Flax seeds help in prevention of hormones from circulating in the blood and thereby reducing the strain on the liver.

When to see a doctor?

It is important that you take an appointment with your doctor in case you experience any signs or symptoms of liver cancer that starts worrying you.

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