Commentary, J Liver Disease Transplant Vol: 12 Issue: 1

Liver Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Mordant Fadel^*

Department of Surgery, Minot State University, North Dakota, USA

*Corresponding Author: Mordant Fadel
Department of Surgery, Minot State University, North Dakota, USA
E-mail: mordant@gmail.com

Received date: 04 March, 2023, Manuscript No. JLDT-23-93721;

Editor assigned date: 06 March, 2023, PreQC No. JLDT-23-93721 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 20 March, 2023, QC No. JLDT-23-93721;

Revised date: 27 March, 2023, Manuscript No. JLDT-23-93721 (R);

Published date: 06 April, 2023 DOI: 10.4172/2325-9612.1000219.

Citation: Fadel M(2023) Liver Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Liver Disease Transplant 12:1.

Keywords: Liver Cancer, filtering blood, producing bile, and storing energy

Description

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, it is a type of cancer that affects the liver. The liver is an important organ that performs vital functions such as filtering blood, producing bile, and storing energy. When cancer cells develop in the liver, they can disrupt the organ's regular functioning and spread to other parts of the body.

Causes of liver cancer

There are several risk factors that can increase the probability of developing liver cancer. The most common cause of liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis B or C virus. Other risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, exposure to toxins such as aflatoxin, and a family history of liver cancer. People with certain medical conditions, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, are also at a higher risk of developing liver cancer.

Symptoms of liver cancer

In the early stages, liver cancer can not cause any symptoms. However, as the disease progressed, it can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of liver cancer include: Abdominal pain or discomfort, swelling or bloating in the abdomen, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue or weakness, itchy skin, enlarged liver or spleen, and fever.

Diagnosis of liver cancer

If liver cancer is suspected, doctor may recommend a wide range of diagnostic tests to confirm the medical diagnosis. These tests may include:

Blood tests: These tests can detect the presence of certain proteins or enzymes that are associated with liver cancer.

Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans can help visualize the liver and identify any abnormal growths or tumors.

Biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a sample of liver tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.

Treatment of liver cancer

The treatment of liver cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location and size of the tumor, and the person's overall health. Some of the most effective treatments for liver cancer are:

Surgery: The most common treatment for liver cancer is surgery to remove the tumor if the tumor is small and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. It can be used either alone or in combination with different therapies.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with different therapies.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific proteins or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Prevention of liver cancer

There are several techniques people able to employ the risk for developing liver cancer. These include:

Getting vaccinated for hepatitis B: The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection with the virus.

Avoiding risky behaviors: Avoiding risky behaviors such as sharing needles or having multiple sexual partners can also help to reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C infection.

Limiting alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver cancer, so limiting the alcohol consumption is recommended.

Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for liver cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help to reduce the risk.