Liver Cancer

The liver is the largest organ in the human body. In the United States every year, there are about 20,000 new cases of liver cancer and almost 18,000 people die from the disease. Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States.

Significance

• The liver is an important organ in the body and is responsible for breaking down and storing nutrients. The liver also makes chemicals to stop bleeding from injuries. Liver failure is a serious and life-threatening problem.

  
  

  Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers. The average five-year survival rate is only about 9 percent. The survival rates are lowest for black men and women at 4.5 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.

Types

• Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for 75 percent of primary liver cancer. This type of cancer develops in the hepatocytes, which are the dominant cells of the liver. There are several types of hepatocellular carcinoma, among them fibrolamellar is the most treatable form. Cholangiocarcinomas account for 15 percent of liver cancer cases. Other less common forms of liver cancer include angiosarcomas and hemangiosarcomas. Hepatoblastoma is a type of liver cancer primarily found in young children under five years old.
• Identification

• The symptoms of liver cancer include fatigue, weight loss, jaundice, nausea and pain in the upper abdomen. However, in most cases, liver cancer is detected during routine checkups. To confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer, your doctor will order blood tests. Imaging techniques such as a CT scan, ultrasound or MRI are also used to visualize the location of the cancer. In some cases, your doctor may order a biopsy to determine the type of liver cancer you might have.

Considerations

• Cirrhosis causes 80 percent of liver cancers. Cirrhosis is the process of replacing liver tissue with scar tissue or lumps. Cirrhosis is mostly caused by hepatitis C and alcoholism. Hepatitis B and C infections are also major risk factors for liver cancer. Other risk factors that are associated with a higher risk of liver cancer are smoking, obesity and exposure to arsenic or other toxic chemicals.

Expert Insight

• A liver transplant is the best option for treatment of liver cancer. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of patients with liver cancer are eligible for liver transplant. A transplant can only occur if liver cancer is detected at an early stage and a suitable donor is found. Surgery is the next best option, in which a portion of the liver is removed. Other treatment options include cryotherapy, ablation therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to survive liver cancer is to detect and treat it early through liver cancer screenings. Liver cancer screenings are particularly important if you have cirrhosis or any other liver disease. For such cases, it is recommended that you have alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests or a liver ultrasound twice a year. Avoid exposure to hepatitis B and C. Consult your doctor about hepatitis vaccinations.