My discussion topic is liver cancer. Liver cancer can occur in any part
of the liver, which primarily affects the rest of the liver gradually. It
has detrimental effects on the human physiology of different organs.
Various risk factors can contribute to high liver cancer rates. Among
these risk factors, hepatitis B & C, diabetes, or a family history of
liver disease are more common. The patient may suffer
from unexplained weight loss, Jaundice, nausea, or loss of appetite.
Classification
Liver cancer can be classified into primary types such as
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can result from substantial
conditions such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and
autoimmune hepatitis (PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board, 2002a).
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer can be caused by excessive alcohol
consumption and cirrhosis of the liver (PDQ Adult Treatment
Editorial Board, 2002b)
Clinical Manifestation
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting
Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
Jaundice
Fatigue and weakness
Weight loss
Sign
An enlarged spleen
An enlarged liver
Pain in the abdomen
Fluid build-up in the abdomen (belly)
Diagnostic Tests
Blood tests
Like ultrasound and MRI can provide detailed images of the
liver.
Biopsy- sample of liver cancer gives a detailed study
Physical examination of symptoms such as Jaundice
References:
PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. (2002a). Adult Primary Liver
Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. In PDQ
Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer Institute (US).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66030/
PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. (2002b). Bile Duct Cancer
(Cholangiocarcinoma) Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional
Version. In PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer
Institute (US). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65869/
