Medically reviewed by John Paul Abrina, MD · Oncology · Davao Doctors Hospital
Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the liver. Certain cancers can develop outside of the liver then spread to the liver. However, doctors only say it is liver cancer if it started in the liver.
What happens in liver cancer is that the liver’s cells begin to change and grow wildly. These cells displace the normal cells, which will affect the way your liver functions.
The American Cancer Society believes that around 42,810 people in 2020 will have a liver cancer diagnosis. Additionally, there are three times more liver cancer incidences since 1980.
Aside from knowing what happens in liver cancer, it helps to understand the possible types: Primary or secondary. Primary liver cancer means that it began in the liver.
If the cancer started somewhere else and made its way to the liver, it is secondary liver cancer or cancer that is metastatic to the liver.
Most of the facts spoken about here will be about primary liver cancer.
Many people may not notice symptoms of liver cancer while it is in the early stages. Some common symptoms include:
Liver cancer occurs when the liver cell’s DNA develops mutations. Liver cancer causes can vary.
For instance, alcohol abuse and cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer. However, it is also possible that there will be an unknown cause. People with no underlying diseases can develop liver cancer.
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing liver cancer, which can include:
Procedures and tests that a doctor may perform to diagnose liver cancer include:
Most patients will get individualized treatment for liver cancer. Each patient will have different needs based on what stage they are at, especially if they have other conditions. Therefore, you may not have the same treatment as another liver cancer patient.
Common forms of treatment for liver cancer include:
As mentioned before, there are times where there are no known causes of liver cancer. However, you can prevent getting liver from known causes of liver cancer.
Here are some of the best liver cancer prevention tips.
Additionally, early diagnosis of liver cancer could greatly increase your chances of successful treatment. However, that does not mean you should get screened unnecessarily.
However, some people could get a screening if they have a hepatitis B or C infection and liver cirrhosis. It would be best to consult a doctor if you need to get a screening.
Learning more about liver cancer and its symptoms, causes, risks, etc. can be extremely beneficial to your health.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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