Opinion Article, J Liver Disease Transplant Vol: 12 Issue: 2

Awareness of Liver Cancer: Identifying and Managing the Disease

Stefan Meijerink^*

¹Department of Liver Surgery, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom

*Corresponding Author: Stefan Meijerink,
Department of Liver Surgery, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
E-mail:meijerink.s @gmail.com

Received date: 07 June, 2023, Manuscript No. JLDT-23-107055;

Editor assigned date: 09 June, 2023, PreQC No. JLDT-23-107055 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 23 June, 2023, QC No. JLDT-23-107055;

Revised date: 30 June, 2023, Manuscript No. JLDT-23-107055 (R);

Published date: 10 July, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2325-9612.1000229.

Citation: Meijerink S (2023) Awareness of Liver Cancer: Identifying and Managing the Disease. J Liver Disease Transplant 12:2.

Description

Liver cancer is a major global health problem, with an increasing incidence in recent years. The result provides the sixth most prevalent type of cancer in worldwide prevalence and the fourth major cause of fatalities associated with cancer. Liver cancer has a poor prognosis, but developments in study, diagnosis, and treatment options provide patients the possibility.

Causes and risk factors

Liver cancer, also known as Hepato-Cellular Carcinoma (HCC), usually started in the cells of the liver. Several risk factors contribute to its development, including chronic viral hepatitis B and C infections, excessive alcohol consumption, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and exposure to certain toxins and chemicals increase. Chronic hepatitis B or C infection is responsible for a significant number of liver cancer cases.

Other factors include heavy alcohol consumption, which can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis (NASH) are also associated with increased risk. Certain genetic disorders, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease, contribute to the development of liver cancer. Exposure to aflatoxin, commonly found in contaminated food, also provides a significant risk. Finally, Obesity affects individuals; diabetes, smoking, and liver cancer are other factors that increase the risk of the malignant development.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms of liver cancer are generally minimal in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and swelling of the abdomen and legs may occur. It is important to recognize that these symptoms may also be associated with other liver conditions. Therefore, a proper medical examination is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of liver cancer usually involves a combination of imaging tests, such as ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In addition, blood tests may be performed to evaluate liver function and identify tumors characteristics such as Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP). If these tests indicate that liver cancer may be present, to ensure the medical condition, a liver biopsy may be accomplished.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for liver cancer depend on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the patient's general condition, and the severity of liver damage. Primary treatment techniques include surgery, liver transplantation, radiation therapy, ablation therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Surgery is considered as the most effective treatment for liver cancer when the tumor is prohibited from a particular area of the liver and the patient has effective comprehensive liver function. Liver transplantation may be recommended if the tumor is too large or it extended to surrounding blood vessels.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, while ablation therapy uses heat or freezing to destroy cancer cells. These methods are frequently used for small tumors or as palliative care to relieve symptoms in advanced cases. Targeted drug therapy involves by using medications that specifically target cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and spread. Chemotherapy may also be used in combination with other treatments.

New research and hope for the future

Research efforts are yielding new insights into the causes and progression of liver cancer, improving treatments and creating potential cures. Scientists are studying immunotherapies that use the body's immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. Promising results have been obtained in clinical trials, giving hope to patients with advanced liver cancer.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle is an essential procedure to preventing liver cancer. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and getting a hepatitis B vaccination. Early detection and intervention are essential in patients with chronic viral hepatitis or NAFLD. The prognosis of liver cancer depends on the stage of diagnosis. However, liver cancer is sometimes not identified before it is developed, reduce therapy possibilities. However, with advances in medical research and improved access to early detection methods, we might anticipate more positive results in the future.