Primary Liver Cancer

Malignant (malignant) tumors that originate from the liver's own cell are called primary (primary) liver cancer. Because it originates from the liver's own cells, it is called hepatocellular (liver cell) carcinoma. It is one of the most common and most fatal tumors.

What are the risk factors for development of liver cancer?

* Hepatitis B virus infections * Hepatitis C virus infections * Hepatitis D virus infections * Aflatoxine (aspergillus flavus poison) * Cirrhosis * Genetic, congenital, metabolic diseases * Hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, glycogen storage disease * Chemicals; Nitrites, hydrocarbons, solvents * (Perhaps, most likely, multifactorial!)

What are the signs of liver cancer?

There is no very specific early sign of liver cancer. For this reason, when diagnosed, it is usually found that cancer reached large sizes. Often, signs such as weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, rapid fatigue, jaundice, fluid collection in the abdomen are observed. Sometimes, there may be a feeling of fullness and pain on the right upper side of the abdomen. Since there is usually a chronic liver disease (for example: cirrhosis) in background of cancer and these diseases often give similar signs, they may be confused.

What should I do to avoid being late for the diagnosis?

Liver cancer does not cause original complaints until it reaches large sizes. Complaints that are also often confused with other diseases. Therefore, main condition for early diagnosis is suspiciousness of an experienced physician about this. Your physician should know that you are at such a risk especially if you have one of the above risk factors, and warn you about it, and perform necessary tests and examinations in terms of such development.

How is liver cancer detected?

Currently, it is possible to detect all types of liver development using imaging methods. Especially, the patients at risk should be monitored with ultrasonography, which is the cheapest and easily applicable method. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography are other methods to be used. Sometimes, several of these imaging methods can be used in combination to intensify the diagnosis. In the blood, alpha feto protein which is a tumor marker (marker), can be determined. High level of this test is significant for cancer. But it should be remembered that even in those who are known to have cancer it can come out normally. That it is normal does not mean that there is no tumor. In rare cases that the diagnosis is unclear, a needle biopsy from the liver can be carried out. However, this is not a method that should be performed frequently. An experienced liver surgeon should decide whether a biopsy should be performed on these issues.

Is it possible to treat liver cancer?

Consequences of untreated liver cancer are bad. Expected life expectancy in such a case is up to 6-9 months. The most effective method is surgical removal of the tumor. Execution of surgical treatment depends on the stage of the tumor and whether it has spread around, as well as its degree if the patient has a liver disease. Surgery has no place in liver cancer that has jumped out of the liver. Success of surgery is also related to the diameter of the tumor. Survival after surgery in those who have tumor with <5cm diameter is much better compared to those who have tumor with >5cm diameter. Expected 5-year survival rate after surgical removal is about 60% under ideal conditions (<5cm, single, no spread...). In cases in which surgery cannot be performed, methods such as chemoembolization, chemotherapy, alcohol injection, radiofrequency ablation can be used. In appropriate cases, they can also be used in conjunction with surgery.

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.