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/
