Liver Cancer Treatment: Understanding Your Options

Liver Cancer Treatment

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. It is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Liver cancer is more common in men than in women, and it is more common in people over the age of 50.

There are several different types of liver cancer. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which starts in the main type of liver cell. Other types of liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), which starts in the bile ducts in the liver, and hepatoblastoma, which is a rare type of liver cancer that occurs in children.

Liver cancer can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause inflammation and damage to the liver, which can lead to liver cancer.
• Alcohol abuse: Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. NAFLD can lead to liver cancer if it is not treated.
• Cirrhosis: This is a condition in which the liver is scarred and damaged. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of liver cancer.
• Obesity: People who are obese are at an increased risk of liver cancer.

The symptoms of liver cancer can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.

Liver cancer is diagnosed with a variety of tests, including:

• Blood tests: These tests can check for liver enzymes and other markers that may indicate liver cancer.
• Imaging tests: These tests can create images of the liver to look for tumors. Imaging tests may include ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI.
• Biopsy: This test involves removing a small sample of liver tissue to examine under a microscope. A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of liver cancer.

The treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for liver cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and as much of the surrounding liver tissue as possible.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or it may be used as a standalone treatment.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, or it may be used as a standalone treatment.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules on cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be used to treat liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy may be used to treat liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

The prognosis for liver cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. The five-year survival rate for liver cancer is about 18%.

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent liver cancer, including:

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and C: These vaccines can protect you from getting these viruses, which can lead to liver cancer.
• Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for liver cancer.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce the risk of liver cancer.
• Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of liver cancer.

If you have any risk factors for liver cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about getting screened for the disease. Early detection and treatment of liver cancer can improve the chances of survival.