Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma denotes liver cancer.

Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma predominates among liver cancers and is more prevalent in men, typically occurring in individuals aged 50 or older, although age demographics vary worldwide.

The disease is more prevalent in certain regions of Africa and Asia compared to North or South America and Europe.

It's important to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from metastatic liver cancer, originating in other organs such as the breast or colon and spreading to the liver.

Liver cancer is often linked with liver scarring (cirrhosis), which may stem from various factors:

• Alcohol abuse, notably the leading cause in the United States
• Autoimmune liver diseases
• Infection with hepatitis B or C viruses
• Long-term liver inflammation (chronic)
• Iron overload (hemochromatosis)

Patients with hepatitis B or C infections are at risk for liver cancer, even without cirrhosis development.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal discomfort or tenderness, particularly in the upper-right quadrant
• Easy bruising or bleeding tendencies
• Abdominal enlargement
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Signs and Tests

Physical examination may reveal an enlarged, tender liver. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Liver biopsy
• Liver function tests
• Liver MRI
• Serum alpha-fetoprotein

High-risk individuals may undergo regular blood tests and ultrasounds for tumor surveillance.

Treatment

Early detection allows for aggressive surgical intervention or liver transplantation, which can effectively manage small or slow-growing tumors. However, early diagnosis is uncommon.

Chemotherapy administered directly into the liver via catheter may provide some relief, although it's not curative. Radiation therapy targeting the cancerous area may also be beneficial. However, many patients present with liver cirrhosis or other liver disorders complicating treatment.

Sorafenib tosylate (Nexavar), an oral medication inhibiting tumor growth, is approved for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.