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Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute.
Primary liver cancer occurs most often in adults ages 60+. Childhood liver cancer is rare. Rates are highest in American Indian and Alaska Native persons, and three times more common in men than in women.
Shaped like a cone and located beneath the rib cage in the upper right part of the belly, the liver is the body’s largest internal organ and one we cannot live without. The liver has many essential functions:
• Breaks down and stores nutrients that the body needs to function
• Aids in clotting to prevent excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries
• Delivers bile into the gallbladder and intestines to help absorb nutrients
• Breaks down alcohol, drugs and toxic wastes in the blood, which then pass from the body through urine and stool
The liver is made up of many types of cells; the majority of these cells are called hepatocytes. Liver cancer occurs when cells begin to grow out of control. The resulting tumors can be cancerous (known as malignant) or non-cancerous (known as benign). Cancer that develops in another area of the body and spreads to the liver is more common than cancer that begins in the liver cells. The most common form of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Causes & Risk Factors
A number of risk factors are associated with liver cancer. At the top of the list are chronic hepatitis and alcoholism, which are common causes of cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring and damage). Adults who drink large amounts of alcohol and those with an accumulation of extra fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol ingestion have higher rates of liver cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing HCC is higher in people with chronic liver disease brought on by hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver inflammation, or swelling, that can lead to cancer. HBV infection can be transmitted in body fluids, including blood and semen, or by sharing needles used to inject drugs. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted in blood and can also be spread through needle sharing.
Other medical conditions and certain lifestyle behaviors can increase the risk of getting liver cancer. These include:
• Diabetes
• Hemochromatosis, a condition in which the body absorbs too much iron
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking too much alcohol long term
Signs & Symptoms
The following can indicate liver cancer:
• Pain at the top right of the abdominal area, near the right shoulder blade or in the back
• A hard lump under the ribs on the right side of the body
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin or eyes
Be sure to talk with your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms. A physical examination and one or more of the screenings discussed below may be recommended to aid in a diagnosis.
Screening Options
Cancer screening is critical to early diagnosis and prevention. Adults with certain chronic conditions, including hepatitis infection, cirrhosis or other risk factors, should talk with their doctor about regular screenings for liver cancer. Screening options include blood testing for alpha-fetoprotein, a substance that may be produced by cancer cells, and imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT/CAT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Early detection increases the chance of successful treatment.
Treatments
Different types of liver cancer require different types of treatment. These can include surgery, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to disrupt the growth and spread of tumor cells. When cancer is found at an early stage, treatment will seek to kill the cancer and minimize symptoms and side effects.
New Options Through Clinical Trials
Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer continue at a rapid pace, thanks to ongoing clinical research. Clinical trials have played a significant role in these breakthroughs, now saving more lives. Patients participating in these safe and carefully supervised groundbreaking research studies receive the latest treatments available, which can positively impact their outcomes.
Reduce Your Risk
While liver cancer cannot be prevented entirely, there are ways to reduce the risk:
• Eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and participate in physical activity.
• Don’t smoke. Quit if you do smoke.
• Avoid alcohol or limit alcohol consumption.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B if you are at increased risk.
• Get medical care if you are diagnosed with hepatitis.
WORLD-CLASS CANCER TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. The majority of new cancer drugs recently approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation.* Recognized for our research, FCS is a recipient of the national Clinical Trials Participation Award presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). FCS physicians, trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
Founded in 1984, FCS has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
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