About Department

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for various functions, including filtering blood, detoxifying chemicals, and producing important proteins for blood clotting. There are several types of liver cancer, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common.

Types of Liver Cancer

1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most common type, originating in the main liver cells (hepatocytes).
2. Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): Cancer that starts in the bile ducts within the liver (intrahepatic) or outside the liver (extrahepatic).
3. Angiosarcoma: A rare cancer starting in the blood vessels of the liver.
4. Hepatoblastoma: A rare type of liver cancer that typically affects children.

Risk Factors

• Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections significantly increase the risk.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to chronic liver disease, often caused by alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Aflatoxin Exposure: A toxin produced by certain molds that can contaminate food supplies.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Linked to obesity and diabetes.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Long-term heavy drinking can lead to cirrhosis and increase cancer risk.
• Inherited Liver Diseases: Conditions such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.

Symptoms

• Weight loss without trying
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• General weakness and fatigue
• Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) or a palpable mass in the upper abdomen
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• White, chalky stools

Diagnosis

1. Physical Exam: To check for liver enlargement and signs of jaundice.
2. Blood Tests:
   • Liver Function Tests (LFTs): To assess liver health.
   • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Elevated levels can be indicative of HCC.
3. Imaging Tests:
   • Ultrasound: Often the first imaging test used.
   • CT Scan and MRI: Provide detailed images of the liver to identify tumors and assess their size and spread.
4. Biopsy: Removing a small sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis.