Liver Cancer Overview
Liver cancer is a disease that affects our liver, obviously. When the disease begins in the liver, it is called primary liver cancer. There are instance where other types of cancer like lung cancer can spread to liver. When cancer has spread to the liver, then it is called metastatic liver cancer, or secondary liver cancer.
What Do Our Livers Do?
The liver is a vital organ in our body. It is the second largest organ in our body, weighing in at about 2-6 pounds. It is located in the right side of the stomach.
The liver is responsible for many duties, like detoxifying substances, secreting bile, metabolizing carbs, fats, and proteins. The bottom line is that we can't live without it.
What Causes Liver Cancer
We don't know exactly what causes liver cancer, but several risk factors have been identified. Exposure to vinyl chloride, a compound used in manufacturing is one the risk factors. Other risk factors for liver cancer include cirrhosis, parasites, and chronic hepatitis. Smoking has also been linked to liver cancer development.
Liver Cancer Symptoms
Liver can produces symptoms like pain on the right side of the stomach, breast swelling in men, weightloss, jaundice, and feeling very full after eating a meal. Keep in mind that sometimes no symptoms are present.
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
There are several tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, and MRIs that can detect liver cancer. There are other tests like the alpha-fetoprotein and liver function tests that are used to detect liver cancer.
How is Liver Cancer Treated?
Liver cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It may be treated by a combination of therapies. Treatment varies depending on stage of the disease.
Prognosis
Prognosis of liver cancer is certainly better if the disease is detected in an early stage. When you are diagnosed, ask your doctor what your prognosis is. It may be one of the most difficult questions you have to ask during your treatment, but the answers will really put your treatment plan into perspective.