Liver cancer-Definition, Types, Risk Factors and Symptoms

Liver cancer-Definition, Types, Risk Factors and Symptoms-liver cancer is a condition that happens when normal cells in the liver become abnormal in appearance and behavior. The cancer cells can then become destructive to adjacent normal tissues, and can spread both to other areas of the liver and to organs outside the liver. Malignant or cancerous cells that develop in the normal cells of the liver (hepatocytes) are called hepatocellular carcinoma.

Types of liver cancer

There are several types of liver cancer or cancers, below are the list of various liver cancers.

Hepatoblastoma :The last type of liver cancer is usually found in children younger than 4 years old and is called hepatoblastoma. Cancers that arises from other organs and travel (metastasize) to the liver.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Cholangiocarcinoma is bile duct cancer. The cancers start in the bile ducts, which are small tubes that carry bile to the gallbladder.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):The most common type of primary liver cancer is called Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), or malignant hepatoma. This type of cancer starts in cells called hepatocytes, the main type of liver cells.

Angiosarcoma: Cancers that start in the blood vessels of the liver are called angiosarcomas and hemangiosarcomas. These cancers are very rare, but grow very quickly. They have often spread so far by the time they are found that surgery is not an option.

Risk factors of liver cancer

Family history: People whose mother, father, brother, or sister had liver cancer are at a higher risk of developing it themselves, compared to others.

Liver disease and inherited liver disease: people with hepatitis B or C have a significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer, compared to other healthy individuals.

Low immunity: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS have a risk of liver cancer that is five times greater than other healthy individuals.

Obesity: Obesity raises the risk of developing many cancers, including liver cancer.

Gender: A higher percentage of males get liver cancer compared to females. Some experts believe this is not due to gender, but to lifestyle characteristics. On average, males tend to smoke and abuse alcohol more than females.

Smoking: individuals with hepatitis B or C have a higher risk of liver cancer if they smoke. Water wells with arsenic – people who rely on water wells that contain arsenic may eventually have a significantly higher risk of developing several conditions or diseases, including liver cancer.

Anabolic steroids : Used by athletes and weight lifters. These male hormones, if used regularly and for long enough, can raise the risk of developing liver cancer, as well as some other cancers.

Aflatoxins : A substance made by a fungus and may be found in moldy wheat, groundnuts, corn, nuts, soybeans and peanuts. For liver cancer risk to increase there needs to be long-term exposure. This is more of a problem in less wealthy countries.

Cirrhosis: When liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. People with cirrhosis of the liver have a higher risk of developing liver cancer.

Diabetes:  Patients with diabetes, especially if they also have hepatitis, or regularly consume a lot of alcohol, are more likely to develop liver cancer.

L-carnitine deficiency:  Studies suggest that an L-carnitine deficiency increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

Liver Cancer Symptoms early

In its early stage many people with liver cancer will have no symptoms. As the cancer grows it may start to cause symptoms, including:

1.   Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, which may extend to

2.   your back and shoulder

3.   Swollen or bloated stomach

4.   Unexplained weight loss

5.   Loss of appetite or feeling full without eating

6.   Feeling weak or very tired

7.   Nausea and vomiting

8.   Unexplained fever

9.   Jaundice, yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin