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What Is the Main Cause of Liver Cancer?

What Is the Main Cause of Liver Cancer?

Our liver is responsible for performing many crucial functions. Therefore, it is important to look for a cancer specialist near you and visit the doctor without further delay, as there are many causes of liver cancer that can lead to life-threatening situations. Primary liver cancer starts in the liver itself, whereas secondary liver cancer starts in other organs in the body and then attacks the liver.

Primary Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer tends to occur due to liver damage caused at birth. There are different types of primary liver cancer, which include:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
  • Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
  • Hepatoblastoma

Secondary Liver Cancer

Secondary liver cancer occurs when cancer breaks primary cancer and moves from the liver to somewhere else in the body. These cells are carried in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and if this happens, it is called secondary liver cancer.

The types of secondary liver cancer include:

  • Benign liver tumors
  • Hepatic adenoma
  • Focal nodular hyperplasia

Causes of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer develops when a mutation in liver cells takes place. When a mutation in cells goes out of control, it creates a tumor in that area. According to health experts, the underlying causes of liver cancer remain unknown. However, over the years, several factors have been revealed behind the causes of liver cancer. They are as follows:

  • Viral Infection
  • Cirrhosis
  • Aflatoxins
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL).
  • Genetic conditions

Risk Factors of Liver Cancer

Risk factors involve every plausible factor that can develop liver cancer in the human body. Most risk factors include smoking, family history, alcohol, dietary pattern, etc. Let’s look at some of the major risk factors of liver cancer.

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Dietary pattern
  • Steroid usage
  • Aging

See Also: Fatty Liver Diet: What You Should Eat or Avoid

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Common symptoms of liver cancer include:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dark-colored urine

Unlike other forms of cancer, liver cancer is rare. According to research, only around 1 - 2% of the population of the United States of America have been diagnosed with liver cancer at some point in their lifetime.

According to the SEER Program (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program, in a time span of 5 years, there were almost 2 - 3% cases of diagnoses of liver cancer in men and women, while the mortality rate was 5% in the United States of America. The major case that has been recorded behind the mortality rate is bile duct cancer.

Treatment Options for Liver Cancer

Here are a few of the treatment options that health experts have suggested for liver cancer:

1. Liver Transplant

Your whole liver or part of it will be replaced by a healthy liver from another person.

2. Surgery

The surgical method includes removing either a part or all of your liver and surrounding healthy tissue.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy medications are given intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells.

4. Radiation Therapy

High-energy X-ray beams are utilized to eliminate cancer cells and alleviate cancer-related symptoms.

See Also: Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer – An Overview

Final Takeaway

Liver cancer is a life-threatening illness that needs immediate action. The possibility of surviving is usually very bleak in an advanced stage with a life-threatening illness. You should visit your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Fortunately, with great facilities and a qualified, award-winning team, Far North Surgery is the best healthcare facility in the United States. Our founder Dr. Madhu Prasad, a recipient of the Best Anchorage award for Cancer treatment, is a renowned Oncologist in Alaska in the United States of America.

If you are looking for a cancer clinic nearby in AK, contact us for a world-class surgical oncology treatment today.

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