What Is Liver Cancer? Early Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops when cells in the liver grow uncontrollably. The liver is the body's largest organ, responsible for clearing toxins, producing components that aid in digestion, and storing energy. For this reason, liver cancer can severely affect the body's overall health. This type of cancer, which is common worldwide, often arises due to pre-existing conditions like liver cirrhosis. Early diagnosis is a crucial factor in the treatment of liver cancer because treatment options decrease as the disease progresses.

Types of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer can be classified into two main types: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and Cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin Tumor).

1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type of cancer, originating from the main cells of the liver. This type usually develops as a result of pre-existing liver diseases like liver cirrhosis or Hepatitis B and C infections.

2. Cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin Tumor): This is a type of cancer that originates from the bile ducts of the liver. Cancer in the bile ducts is generally rarer and often starts in the bile ducts outside the liver.

Risk Factors for Liver Cancer

There are many risk factors that can influence the formation of liver cancer. The most common ones include:

• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infections: These infections can lead to chronic liver damage, paving the way for the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

• Alcohol Use: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.

• Liver Cirrhosis: When the liver is damaged to a degree where it can no longer perform its normal functions, it can facilitate the development of cancer.

• Aflatoxin: Especially in developing countries, aflatoxins produced by certain fungi can increase the risk of liver cancer.

• Obesity and Diabetes: Obesity can lead to fatty liver disease, and this condition can increase the risk of liver cancer.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

In its early stages, liver cancer usually does not show any distinct symptoms. For this reason, the disease is often diagnosed in its advanced stages. However, as liver cancer progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

• Abdominal pain and tenderness

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Weakness and fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Nausea and vomiting

• Swelling or a lump in the upper right part of the abdomen

Early Diagnosis Methods

Early diagnosis of liver cancer is the most important factor for increasing the chance of successful treatment. Cancers caught in the early stage can be treated more successfully with surgical intervention. The methods used for early diagnosis of liver cancer include:

1. Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure liver function and markers that cancer cells may have produced. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used as a biomarker for liver cancer.

2. Imaging Tests:

   • Ultrasonography: A widely used method for imaging the liver. Tumors can be detected using an ultrasound in cases of suspected liver cancer.

   • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides more detailed images to see the extent of cancer spread.

   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Helps to examine the liver and surrounding tissues in detail.

   • Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Can be used to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

3. Biopsy: A small piece of the liver is taken to get more definite information about the presence of cancer cells.

Liver Cancer Treatment Methods

Liver cancer treatment varies depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the type of cancer. Treatment options include surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.

1. Surgical Intervention

   If the cancer is caught in an early stage and a large part of the liver is healthy, surgical intervention can be the most effective treatment method. Surgical treatment options include:

   • Tumor Removal (Resection): The cancerous part of the liver is surgically removed. However, this option is only applicable if the healthy part of the liver is large enough.

   • Liver Transplant: If the tumor has spread and most of the liver is damaged, a liver transplant can be performed. The transplant procedure is a method where the cancerous liver is replaced with a healthy one.

2. Chemotherapy

   Chemotherapy is a drug treatment aimed at killing cancer cells. In liver cancer, chemotherapy is generally used in the advanced stages or in situations where surgical intervention is not possible.

   • Systemic Chemotherapy: Drugs spread throughout the body via the bloodstream.

   • Local Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are applied directly to the cancerous area.

3. Radiotherapy

   Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. In liver cancer treatment, it is generally used in conjunction with chemotherapy or for patients who cannot undergo surgical intervention.

4. Targeted Therapies

   Targeted therapies use drugs that aim to block the growth of cancer cells. These are personalized treatment methods based on the specific characteristics of the cancerous cells. Drugs like Sorafenib are used in the treatment of liver cancer.

5. Immunotherapies

   Immunotherapies strengthen the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. This treatment is used especially to try and treat cancer in its advanced stages.

6. Transarterial Therapy (TACE)

   This treatment method uses catheters placed in blood vessels to deliver chemotherapy drugs or embolic agents to treat cancerous tumors in the liver. This method helps to block the blood supply to the tumors.

Conclusion

If not diagnosed early, liver cancer can often become untreatable. However, with today's advanced treatment methods, many patients can survive with the right treatment. Knowing the risk factors for liver cancer and not neglecting regular health check-ups, while understanding the importance of early diagnosis, can be a vital defense against this type of cancer.

If you suspect you may have liver cancer, consulting a specialist and getting the necessary tests done as soon as possible could be life-saving. The treatment process, with an early diagnosis, can yield more successful results and improve your quality of life.