Liver Cancer
IntroductionLiver cancer, which is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the liver’s tissue, is a considerable health concern in the global community. The liver is another important internal organ found in the area of the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and it mainly engages in detoxification, metabolism, and synthesis of various proteins. There are two primary types of liver cancer: Primary liver cancer; the two types of cancers are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer. This paper aims to look at some of the signs, causes and measures to be taken when dealing with liver cancer.
SymptomsUnfortunately, like the majority of carcinomas, the disease may be latent in the initial stages and therefore relatively easy to overlook. For the disease symptoms, some of them that are seen during the advanced stages are weight loss, a situation whereby there is a drastic change in weight and no underlying cause could be found and the patient also experiences loss of appetite, which leads to malnutrition. Some of the most common and related symptoms include sharp continuous, discomfort on the upper abdomen right side, repeated vomiting and nausea, and fatigue that does not respond to sleep. Some of the other signs are gross enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) with liver dullness, jaundice because of raised bilirubin level showing yellow discoloration of the skin and the conjunctiva and collection of fluid in the abdomen making the abdomen enlarged and distended (ascites). These can be important in diagnosing the disease in its early stage, and therefore it’s important that they are recognized.
Potential Causes of Liver CancerSeveral factors can increase the risk of developing liver cancer:
Aflatoxin Exposure: Consuming foods contaminated with aflatoxins, toxins produced by certain molds, can increase liver cancer risk.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Chronic alcohol abuse leads to liver damage and cirrhosis, significantly increasing cancer risk.
Genetic Disorders: Conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease, which cause iron and copper buildup in the liver, can lead to cancer.
Diabetes and Obesity: Both conditions are linked to an increased risk of liver cancer due to their association with NAFLD and metabolic syndromes.
Healthier Lifestyle TipIt is notable that changing one’s lifestyle is easiest to do and would inevitably lead to a decrease in incidence of liver cancer. The vaccination against hepatitis B should be considered as mandatory because it significantly reduces the chance to get infected and consequently develop liver cancer. This apart from routine target tests is also important for high-risk groups, including persons with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, allowing early diagnosis and treatment. Diets that are composed of fruits, vegetables, wholesome cereals and lean meats are beneficial for the liver alongside avoiding foods that are contaminated by aflatoxin. Reducing or abstaining from alcohol is an aspect that can reduce likelihood of liver injury and cirrhosis while exercising and maintaining a healthy diet to decrease likelihood of NAFLD and diabetes amongst other diseases. Further, risky behaviors that include use of needles and unprotected sexual intercourse do not contribute to the spread of hepatitis diseases. Incorporation of these healthy habits in the lifestyle can go a long way in reducing the possibility of contracting this dreadful disease and at the same time promoting good health of the liver.
Sources
American Cancer Society (cancer.org)
Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)
World Health Organization (who.int)
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and treatment.
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