Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer:

Cancer of the liver is also known as Hepatocellular carcinoma. This is the type of cancer that affects hepatic
(liver) functions and is one of the most lives threatening type of cancers. Majority of the cause of this disease results from liver damage that results from chronic exposure to drugs, alcohol and malnutrition, also known as Liver Cirrhosis. The liver cancer  is composed of various cells such as the hepatocytes that make up about 80% of the liver, Therefore, Most of the primary liver tumors affect the liver tissue and compromise most liver functions. The liver is responsible for detoxification of the body.

Without it, the body will be poisoned by the things we ingest inside out systems. The liver is also responsible for the storage of essential body fats and carbohydrates. Without these functions, there will be no way to metabolize energy to maintain body functions. Sometimes, when people talk about liver cancer, they would often confuse it for a kind of cancer that has spread to the liver which is also known as metastasis. Thus this terminology actually talks about either secondary cancer that has spread to the liver or Hepatocellular cancer, which has originated from the liver itself.

The risk factors that eventually lead to hepatic cancer would include excessive or chronic drinking, smoking, heredity to other types of cancers, hepatitis and malnutrition. Unfortunately, the prognosis of this type of cancer, when detected in the late stages, is very poor. Other uncommon risk factors that agitate the growth of cancer cells in the liver would also include a potent carcinogen such as Aflatoxin B1. This type of carcinogen is a by-product of a mold called Aspergillums flatus. This mold thrives in foods such as peanuts, rice, soy beans and other crops. Consuming products made from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) can also induce cancer.

This disease can be detected through the use of a tumor marker also known as alpha-feta protein which is found in the blood. It can also be detected through the use of x-rays but it can only be detected during the latent period of the disease which is difficult to treat. Liver biopsies (removal of a tissue) can also be done to detect if the tissues removed are, in fact, malignant.

More often than not, an ablative form of surgery is needed to remove the diseased part of the liver. This type of treatment can be life threatening as well. Because of the fact that the liver is so immune-compromised, ablative surgeries are difficult to tolerate. Moreover, due to the damage inflicted on the liver, the patients are more likely to have bleeding tendencies that will make them prone to shock.