Liver cancer: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Diagram 2 of 2 showing stage 2 liver cancer CRUK 428.svg|thumb|Diagram 2 of 2 showing stage 2 liver cancer]] | {{SI}} | ||
[[File:Liver tumor types in adults by relative incidence.png|Liver tumor types in adults by relative_incidence|thumb]] [[File:Hepatocellular carcinoma 1.jpg|thumb|Hepatocellular carcinoma]] | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
[[File:Secondary tumor deposits in the liver from a primary cancer of the pancreas.jpg|thumb]] | | name = Liver cancer | ||
[[Liver cancer]] is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with a high mortality rate. It refers to the growth of malignant tumors in or on the liver. | | image = [[File:CT_cholangioca.jpg|250px]] | ||
| caption = CT scan showing a [[cholangiocarcinoma]] | |||
| field = [[Oncology]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Hepatic cancer]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Abdominal pain]], [[jaundice]], [[weight loss]], [[nausea]] | |||
| complications = [[Liver failure]], [[metastasis]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| types = [[Hepatocellular carcinoma]], [[cholangiocarcinoma]], [[angiosarcoma]], [[hepatoblastoma]] | |||
| causes = [[Hepatitis B]], [[Hepatitis C]], [[cirrhosis]], [[aflatoxin]] exposure | |||
| risks = [[Alcoholism]], [[obesity]], [[diabetes]], [[smoking]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Imaging studies]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Liver abscess]], [[metastatic cancer]] | |||
| prevention = [[Hepatitis B vaccination]], [[alcohol moderation]], [[healthy diet]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation therapy]], [[liver transplant]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally poor, varies by type and stage | |||
| frequency = 841,000 new cases globally (2020) | |||
| deaths = 830,000 deaths globally (2020) | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Diagram 2 of 2 showing stage 2 liver cancer CRUK 428.svg|left|thumb|Diagram 2 of 2 showing stage 2 liver cancer]] | |||
[[File:Liver tumor types in adults by relative incidence.png|Liver tumor types in adults by relative_incidence|left|thumb]] [[File:Hepatocellular carcinoma 1.jpg|left|thumb|Hepatocellular carcinoma]] | |||
[[File:Secondary tumor deposits in the liver from a primary cancer of the pancreas.jpg|left|thumb]] | |||
[[Liver cancer]] is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with a high mortality rate. It refers to the growth of malignant tumors in or on the liver. | |||
==Introduction to Liver Cancer== | ==Introduction to Liver Cancer== | ||
Liver cancer starts in the liver and can spread to other parts of the body. The liver, a vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, performs many essential functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of bile to aid digestion. | Liver cancer starts in the liver and can spread to other parts of the body. The liver, a vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, performs many essential functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of bile to aid digestion. | ||
==Types of Liver Cancer== | ==Types of Liver Cancer== | ||
There are several forms of liver cancer, with two main types: | There are several forms of liver cancer, with two main types: | ||
'''[[Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)]]''': This is the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for the majority of all liver cancer cases. It begins in the hepatocytes, the main cell type found in the liver. | '''[[Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)]]''': This is the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for the majority of all liver cancer cases. It begins in the hepatocytes, the main cell type found in the liver. | ||
'''[[Hepatoblastoma]]''': This is a rare type of liver cancer that primarily affects children, usually under the age of three. While less common than HCC, it is crucial to diagnose and treat hepatoblastoma at an early stage for a better prognosis. | '''[[Hepatoblastoma]]''': This is a rare type of liver cancer that primarily affects children, usually under the age of three. While less common than HCC, it is crucial to diagnose and treat hepatoblastoma at an early stage for a better prognosis. | ||
In addition to these primary liver cancers, the liver can also be affected by secondary cancers, which are cancers that originate in another part of the body and spread (metastasize) to the liver. | In addition to these primary liver cancers, the liver can also be affected by secondary cancers, which are cancers that originate in another part of the body and spread (metastasize) to the liver. | ||
==Risk Factors and Causes== | ==Risk Factors and Causes== | ||
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer: | Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer: | ||
'''[[Cirrhosis of the liver]]''': This is a condition where the liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. It often sets the stage for the development of liver cancer, especially HCC. | '''[[Cirrhosis of the liver]]''': This is a condition where the liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. It often sets the stage for the development of liver cancer, especially HCC. | ||
'''[[Alcohol abuse]]''': Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, subsequently elevating the risk of liver cancer. | '''[[Alcohol abuse]]''': Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, subsequently elevating the risk of liver cancer. | ||
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'''Other risk factors''': Include obesity, exposure to aflatoxins (a type of mold), and certain metabolic diseases. | '''Other risk factors''': Include obesity, exposure to aflatoxins (a type of mold), and certain metabolic diseases. | ||
==Prevention and Diagnosis== | ==Prevention and Diagnosis== | ||
Understanding risk factors allows individuals to take proactive steps to prevent the onset of liver cancer. Regular medical check-ups, hepatitis vaccinations, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can play a role in prevention. | Understanding risk factors allows individuals to take proactive steps to prevent the onset of liver cancer. Regular medical check-ups, hepatitis vaccinations, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can play a role in prevention. | ||
Early diagnosis is vital. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs are typically used to diagnose liver cancer. In some cases, a biopsy might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. | Early diagnosis is vital. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs are typically used to diagnose liver cancer. In some cases, a biopsy might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Summary== | |||
== | |||
Liver cancer, especially HCC, is a significant health concern worldwide. Awareness of risk factors and early detection are crucial in managing the disease effectively. With advances in medical research, there are now various treatment options available for patients, including surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy, to name a few. | Liver cancer, especially HCC, is a significant health concern worldwide. Awareness of risk factors and early detection are crucial in managing the disease effectively. With advances in medical research, there are now various treatment options available for patients, including surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy, to name a few. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
[[Liver function tests]] | [[Liver function tests]] | ||
[[Liver transplantation]] | [[Liver transplantation]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:07, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Liver cancer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Hepatic cancer |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, nausea |
| Complications | Liver failure, metastasis |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | Hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, angiosarcoma, hepatoblastoma |
| Causes | Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, cirrhosis, aflatoxin exposure |
| Risks | Alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, smoking |
| Diagnosis | Imaging studies, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Liver abscess, metastatic cancer |
| Prevention | Hepatitis B vaccination, alcohol moderation, healthy diet |
| Treatment | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, liver transplant |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally poor, varies by type and stage |
| Frequency | 841,000 new cases globally (2020) |
| Deaths | 830,000 deaths globally (2020) |
Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with a high mortality rate. It refers to the growth of malignant tumors in or on the liver.
Introduction to Liver Cancer[edit]
Liver cancer starts in the liver and can spread to other parts of the body. The liver, a vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, performs many essential functions such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of bile to aid digestion.
Types of Liver Cancer[edit]
There are several forms of liver cancer, with two main types: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for the majority of all liver cancer cases. It begins in the hepatocytes, the main cell type found in the liver. Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare type of liver cancer that primarily affects children, usually under the age of three. While less common than HCC, it is crucial to diagnose and treat hepatoblastoma at an early stage for a better prognosis. In addition to these primary liver cancers, the liver can also be affected by secondary cancers, which are cancers that originate in another part of the body and spread (metastasize) to the liver.
Risk Factors and Causes[edit]
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer: Cirrhosis of the liver: This is a condition where the liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. It often sets the stage for the development of liver cancer, especially HCC. Alcohol abuse: Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, subsequently elevating the risk of liver cancer. Hepatitis: Especially Hepatitis B and C, can cause liver inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and an increased risk of HCC. Wilson's disease: A rare inherited disorder that causes the accumulation of copper in the liver, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Other risk factors: Include obesity, exposure to aflatoxins (a type of mold), and certain metabolic diseases.
Prevention and Diagnosis[edit]
Understanding risk factors allows individuals to take proactive steps to prevent the onset of liver cancer. Regular medical check-ups, hepatitis vaccinations, moderate alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can play a role in prevention. Early diagnosis is vital. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs are typically used to diagnose liver cancer. In some cases, a biopsy might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Summary[edit]
Liver cancer, especially HCC, is a significant health concern worldwide. Awareness of risk factors and early detection are crucial in managing the disease effectively. With advances in medical research, there are now various treatment options available for patients, including surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy, to name a few.
See Also[edit]
Liver function tests Liver transplantation Cancer treatments
References[edit]
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