Liver Cancer
Cancer which begins from liver cells is known as liver cancer. there are many types of liver cancer, the most common is hepatocellular carcinoma, others are intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma is very less common. The early sign and symptoms of liver cancer include loss of appetite, weight loss, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness.
for treatment of liver cancer in early stages radiation, chemotherapy, and radiofrequency ablations are used. in cases of advanced stages and liver failure condition, a hepatectomy or liver transplantation is advised.
the cancer of the liver is treated at the initial stages by a medical oncologist, a hepatologist, and interventional radiologist. for transplant surgeries, one needs a transplant surgeon.
the screening test for liver cancer mainly includes a blood test for AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) a substance produced by cancer cells. Other tests are ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI.
the recovery rate of liver cancer is fairly good in case of early diagnosis and where the patient is healthy otherwise. With the advancement in medical technology the success rate of liver transplant has also been improved.
the highest risk factor for liver cancer is a chronic infection of hepatitis B and C virus. other factors are alcohol consumption, fatty liver, genetic, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and exposure to aflatoxins.
