Liver Cancer: The Silent Threat

Liver Cancer: The Silent Threat

Liver cancer, specifically primary liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a common and serious disease. It ranks as the most common cancer in men and the third most common in women. A significant risk factor for HCC is cirrhosis of the liver, with 80-90% of HCC cases occurring in patients with cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B or C infection.

The primary cause of HCC is hepatitis B infection, which can lead to mutations in liver cells or progress to cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis C infection, which often results in extensive liver fibrosis, is the second leading cause. Other causes of cirrhosis, such as excessive alcohol consumption or chronic fatty liver disease, also increase the risk of developing HCC.

Even though screening for HCC is available for those with cirrhosis, many patients are still diagnosed at intermediate to advanced stages. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the risk factors and undergo regular health check-ups to detect and treat HCC in its early stages.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing HCC, the most common type of primary liver cancer, is significantly higher in individuals with chronic liver disease. This risk is further elevated in those with liver scarring due to hepatitis B or C infections. Heavy alcohol consumption and fatty liver disease are also major risk factors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing liver cancer involves several tests and procedures, including:

• Blood tests to assess liver function.
• Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs to visualize the liver.
• Liver biopsy in some cases, where a tissue sample is taken for laboratory analysis.

Treatment

Treatment options for liver cancer vary based on several factors, including the severity of the disease, the size and nature of the cancer cells, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s overall health. Doctors will recommend the most suitable treatment, which may include:

• Surgery: Removing part of the liver affected by cancer or performing a liver transplant.
• Ablation therapy: Destroying cancerous tissue using heat, cold, or alcohol.
• Interventional radiology procedures: Inserting chemotherapy drugs or radioactive substances directly into the liver.
• External radiation therapy: A new technique that targets cancerous tissues precisely.
• Targeted therapy: Using drugs like kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
• Immunotherapy: Involving treatments like PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 inhibitors.
• Chemotherapy: Using a combination of drugs to kill cancer cells.

Prevention and Screening

Prevention and early detection of liver cancer are vital, as 90% of liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B and C infections. Patients with these viral infections are at high risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Regular liver health assessments and cancer screenings every 3-6 months are essential. This includes blood tests for liver cancer markers (such as alpha-fetoprotein) and liver ultrasounds.

Close monitoring and proactive management of liver health are crucial for these patients to detect and treat the disease before it progresses and becomes more challenging to manage.