The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. As the gland, the liver produces bile to digest fat function, activating lipases, help power the absorption of fat in the intestine, and that does not change the substance into a water-soluble substance that is soluble in water. If the bile ducts in the liver congestion, bile enter the blood circulation so that the patient becomes yellowish skin. Such a person is said to be suffering from jaundice.
Liver cancer is cancer originating from the cells of the liver (primary liver cancer). However, there is also a cancer that occurs in the liver starts of other body parts (such as colon, lung or breast cancer) and then spread to the liver. Doctors call this metastatic cancer (secondary liver cancer).
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Many people have no signs or symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. But when have signs and symptoms, then that may occur include:
- Weight loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain in the upper abdomen area.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Enlargement of the liver.
- Swelling in the abdominal area.
- The skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow.
Type of Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer is derived from the liver cells are divided into several types, among others:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver cancer is most common in children and adults. This cancer starts from hepatocytes which is the main type of liver cell.
- Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer is derived from the gall bladder duct.
- Hepatoblastoma. It is a rare type of cancer that affects children aged 4 years and under. The many types of cancer are successfully treated.
- Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. This rare type of cancer starts in the blood vessels in the liver and grow very quickly.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of liver cancer include:
- Sex. Men more likely to have liver cancer than women.
- Age. Liver cancer is more common in patients aged between 20 to 50 years.
- Chronic infection. People who have chronic viral hepatitis type B or C are at increased risk of liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis. Is a condition in which the liver tissue damage continues to increase and is not curable, increase your chances of developing liver cancer.
- Certain inherited liver disease in the family. Hemochromatosis, hepatitis and Wilson 's disease is a condition that may increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Diabetes. People who have high blood sugar levels at risk of liver cancer.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Accumulation of fat in the liver increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Exposed to toxic aflatoxins. Consuming food contaminated with toxic aflatoxins increases the risk of liver cancer. Corn and peanuts can be contaminated with toxic aflatoxins.
- Excessive alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Obesity. Overweight can increase the risk of liver cancer.
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Liver Cancer
