Liver Cancer
One of the most common cancers worldwide, liver cancer affects the largest organ inside our bodies.
Cancer cells crowd out healthy ones in our liver, which filters and removes waste from our bodys blood. Four types of cancer begin in the liver, although the most common called hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC accounts for 75% of all liver cancer. Still, it is more common for cancer to begin in other parts of the body, such as the pancreas, stomach, breast or lung and then spread to the liver as a secondary cancer.
You are more likely to develop liver cancer if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis, which is the scarring of the liver cells. Symptoms typically do not appear until after the cancer has progressed, but see your doctor if you have unexplained weight or appetite loss, abdominal pain or swelling, or jaundice, which turns your skin and eyes yellow.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
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In its beginning stages, liver cancer may be asymptomatic, meaning people do not experience any indication that they have the disease. As it progresses, however, symptoms may include unintentional weight loss, nausea, upper abdominal pain, bloating, and... Full Answer
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- Q Why are liver cancer survival rates so low?
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Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyThe five-year survival following a liver cancer diagnosis is quite low at 10% to 15% overall. Unfortunately, most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) develop in patients who've had cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue) for many years, if not decades.... Full Answer
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- Q What causes liver cancer?
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As with many types of cancer, the exact cause of liver cancer is not known. However, it is sometimes possible to determine the cause. For instance, hepatitis B and hepatitis C may sometimes cause liver cancer. Full Answer
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- Q What types of benign liver tumors and cysts are common?
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There are several types of common benign liver tumors and cysts: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) - These tumors are typically found during a routine examination and your physician will probably recommend taking a wait and see approach. Your doctor will... Full Answer
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- Q How is liver cancer diagnosed?
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During a routine examination, your doctor will ask about your general health and lifestyle habits, specifically whether you drink and smoke. Other questions may address your family history of cancer and liver disease. To determine for sure if you have... Full Answer
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- Q What is hepatoblastoma?
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Hepatoblastoma is a malignant tumor which occurs in infants and children and is associated with polyposis coli (a precancerous growth in the large bowel or colon). It is usually a solid mass in the right lobe of the liver and may vary in size from 5... Full Answer
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- Q What types of liver cancer are there?
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The four types of liver cancer are angiosarcoma, hepatoblastoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Angiosarcoma is a rare cancer that begins in the liver blood vessels. Hepatoblastoma is also rare and most frequently affects children... Full Answer
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- Q Who is at risk for liver cancer?
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Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyThe most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is chronic hepatitis, inflammation of the liver leading to cirrhosis. After 20 to 30 years, the absolute risk of developing HCC is 1% to 3%. Chronic alcoholism is a common cause of cirrhosis,... Full Answer
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- Q What is liver cancer?
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Liver cancer is a disease characterized by an abnormal growth of harmful cells in the liver. It is called metastatic liver cancer if the cancer begins in another part of the body and spreads to the liver. The liver is an important organ that secretes... Full Answer
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- Q How can I help prevent liver cancer?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyHere are some liver cancer prevention solutions: Eliminate Added Sugars: Food with added sugars increases your risk for developing obesity and diabetes, thus increasing your risk for fatty liver, cirrhosis and liver cancer. To keep your liver... Full Answer
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