Primary Liver Cancer: An Educational Guide393

Primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a type of cancer that begins in the liver. It is the most common type of liver cancer, accounting for more than 90% of cases.

HCC is a serious disease, but it can be treated if it is diagnosed early. The most common treatment for HCC is surgery, which can remove the tumor from the liver. Other treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

The outlook for people with HCC varies depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. However, even people with advanced HCC can live for many years with treatment.

Causes of Primary Liver Cancer

The exact cause of HCC is unknown, but there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
Cirrhosis of the liver
Chronic hepatitis B infection
Chronic hepatitis C infection
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Alcohol abuse
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Obesity
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as aflatoxins

If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups so that you can be screened for HCC. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of survival.

Symptoms of Primary Liver Cancer

In the early stages of HCC, there are often no symptoms. As the tumor grows, you may experience:
Abdominal pain
Swelling of the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. HCC can be difficult to diagnose, but there are several tests that can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Primary Liver Cancer

The diagnosis of HCC is usually made based on a combination of tests, including:
Physical examination
Blood tests
Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
Biopsy

A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose HCC. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the liver and examined under a microscope.

Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer

The treatment for HCC depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The most common treatment for HCC is surgery, which can remove the tumor from the liver.

Other treatments for HCC include:
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy

The goal of treatment for HCC is to remove the tumor and prevent it from coming back. The type of treatment that is best for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

Outlook for Primary Liver Cancer

The outlook for people with HCC varies depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

The five-year survival rate for people with HCC is about 30%. However, the survival rate is much higher for people with early-stage HCC. The five-year survival rate for people with stage I HCC is about 70%.

2024-11-07

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