Hepatitis is the Most Common Cause of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, that is ranked at the 6th among the most common types of cancer in the world, threatens the lives of thousands of people every year in our country. Hepatitis B and C infections are the most important cause of liver cancer. Prof.Dr. K. Yalçın Polat, Head of Department of Organ Transplantation and General Surgery, Memorial Ataşehir Hospital gave information about liver cancer and its treatment.

The risk is 200 times higher in hepatitis patients.

The liver, the body's factory, is a center that affects all body systems, a blood store, and part of defense system. The group with the highest risk of liver cancer is people with hepatitis. Because liver cancer does not give symptoms at early stage, its early diagnosis is low. 80% of these cancers develop mainly in people with cirrhosis, so patients should be closely monitored. According to people who are not at risk, people with hepatitis B and C have 200-fold higher risk of development of liver cancer. Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination. Treatments developed for hepatitis C also show very positive results.

Cirrhosis sets the stage for liver cancer.

Cirrhosis is a disease when liver cells are damage due to alcohol, hepatitis, and immune system-related causes. 5% of people with cirrhosis have the risk of development of liver cancer. Obesity is also one of the important risks because it stimulated liver fattening and cirrhosis.

Be careful about sudden weight loss, abdominal swelling, and weakness

In some cases, liver cancer may not show any symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. As it progresses, it shows symptoms such as causeless weight loss, constant abdominal swelling, fluid accumulation, loss of appetite, weakness, jaundice may occur. People who experience such symptoms should consult a physician as soon as possible.

As cirrhosis increases, liver cancer also becomes common.

Even though liver cancer is ranked at the 6th type of cancer seen in the world, it can be said that it is more common because there are more cirrhosis-related diseases in our country. For this reason, patients with chronic hepatitis and early-stage cirrhosis should be monitored radiologically with MRI and ultrasonography in periods of 6 months to 1 year due to the risk of development of tumor.

Organ transplantation is the most effective method of treatment.

Liver cancer can be made by checking ultrasonography and blood tumor indicators. After detection of malignant tumors, a treatment plan is created with a team of oncologists, radiologists and surgeons. In addition to surgical removal of liver tumors, radiological treatment with medication and radiofrequency can be provided. Due to the fact that the liver tissue is able to regenerate itself, the tumorous part can be removed. The points to take into consideration in the surgery is that remaining liver should have qualification and size to allow the patient to continue his/he life healthfully. If surgical removal of the tumor located in the liver is not appropriate, treatment with liver transplantation can be provided. There are many reasons that lead the patient to liver transplantation. Liver tumors are also one of them. If the tumor has appropriate criteria, the most ideal treatment in terms of its consequences is liver transplantation. With liver transplantation, diseased liver is completely removed that potentially has the risk of development of tumor. Instead of this diseased liver taken, a healthy liver is transplanted. Recurrence risk of the tumor is less in transplanted patients.

It is possible to reduce the risk of cancer.

It is necessary to protect yourself against hepatitis viruses to prevent liver cancer. Vaccination against Hepatitis B virus should be provided before it is too late. It is also necessary to avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can cause cirrhosis and long-term liver cancer. By reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes, risk of fatty liver, cirrhosis and liver cancer that may occur with it.

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.