Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. This condition is specifically called primary liver cancer. According to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), liver cancer affects about 15,000 men and 6,000 women each year and most of them are over 64 years old. Because other types of cancer can spread (metastasize) to the liver, this topic will cover cancer that starts in the liver and does not include cancer that spread to the liver from other parts of the body.
What is the liver? What does it do?
The liver is the largest organ inside the body located in the upper right abdomen, protected by the lower right ribs. The liver has several functions important for maintaining life. A healthy liver has many functions including
In primary liver cancer, cancer cells begin in the liver cells called hepatocytes. This type of cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or malignant hepatoma. Malignant means that abnormal growth of cells are cancerous, which can spread to other parts of the body and can be life threatening.
Risk Factors
Experts are unsure why one person gets liver cancer while others do not. However, certain risk factors may increase the chance of a person getting liver cancer. Risk factors for primary liver cancer may include
Signs and Symptoms
Early stages of liver cancer may not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows larger, symptoms may occur including
Treatment
According to the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer can be cured when it is found during its early stage and cancer cells have not spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or liver transplantation. Some people may need a combination of treatments.
Side effects of liver cancer treatment are common. Ask your health care team about possible side effects and how the treatment may change your normal activities.
References:
US National Cancer Institute (NCI, April 29, 2009). What You Need To Know About ™ Liver Cancer. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Medline Plus.Liver Cancer
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
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What is the liver? What does it do?
The liver is the largest organ inside the body located in the upper right abdomen, protected by the lower right ribs. The liver has several functions important for maintaining life. A healthy liver has many functions including
Removing toxins and other harmful substances from the bloodThe liver receives blood from two sources, the hepatic portal vein and the hepatic artery. The hepatic portal vein carries nutrients that are newly absorbed from the intestine to the liver. Oxygen-rich blood flows to the liver through the hepatic artery.
Making enzymes and bile, which help digest food
Converting food into substances needed for life and growth
In primary liver cancer, cancer cells begin in the liver cells called hepatocytes. This type of cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or malignant hepatoma. Malignant means that abnormal growth of cells are cancerous, which can spread to other parts of the body and can be life threatening.
Risk Factors
Experts are unsure why one person gets liver cancer while others do not. However, certain risk factors may increase the chance of a person getting liver cancer. Risk factors for primary liver cancer may include
Having hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).Having two or more of these risk factors increase the chance of getting liver cancer. However, many people with known risk factors for liver cancer don’t develop the disease.
Having cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Liver cirrhosis is a serious liver disorder where liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. Scarred liver tissue cannot perform normal function.
Long-term heavy alcohol drinking.
Being obese or diabetic. According to the National Cancer Institute, obesity and diabetes may be important risk factors for liver cancer.
Low weight at birth (National Library of Medicine)
Signs and Symptoms
Early stages of liver cancer may not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows larger, symptoms may occur including
Pain or lump on the upper right abdomenThese symptoms may also be caused by other health problems. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Yellowing of the skin and sclera (white portion) of the eyes (jaundice)
Loss of appetite and feeling of fullness
Swelling of the abdomen (bloating)
Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Treatment
According to the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer can be cured when it is found during its early stage and cancer cells have not spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or liver transplantation. Some people may need a combination of treatments.
Side effects of liver cancer treatment are common. Ask your health care team about possible side effects and how the treatment may change your normal activities.
References:
US National Cancer Institute (NCI, April 29, 2009). What You Need To Know About ™ Liver Cancer. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Medline Plus.Liver Cancer
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
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