Liver cancer is a serious condition characterized by malignant growths in the liver. Early diagnosis is vital for better outcomes. Risk factors include alcohol use, hepatitis, and toxins. Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Treatments range from transplantation to ablative therapies, emphasizing prompt medical intervention to improve survival chances.
Liver cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells within the liver tissue. It can arise directly in the liver, known as primary liver cancer, or spread from other organs, called secondary or metastatic liver cancer. Since the liver performs essential functions, its impairment can be life-threatening. Detecting liver cancer early is difficult, often resulting in late-stage diagnosis. Risk factors include excessive alcohol intake, cirrhosis, hepatitis C infection, toxin exposure, weakened immunity, and genetic predispositions. Common signs include appetite loss, nausea, pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, fatigue, and light-colored stools. Treatment options encompass liver transplantation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and minimally invasive procedures like laser or radiofrequency ablation. Early detection is crucial due to generally low survival rates.