Liver tumors have a high mortality rate if detected in advanced stages. Therefore, it is crucial to perform routine screening tests in patients with risk factors and pre-existing liver disease in order to detect the disease in its early stages.
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in adults (followed by cholangiocarcinoma) and usually occurs in people with chronic (long-term) liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus or cirrhosis.
It is estimated that 60 to 90 percent of hepatocarcinomas are associated with cirrhosis, the primary non-viral cause of which is alcohol abuse.
Importance of recognizing the symptoms
Liver cancer is a preventable tumor. The most common patient profile is a person with diagnosed or undiagnosed cirrhosis that may be caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) or by chronic alcohol abuse.
In this regard, it can be diagnosed silently on screening tests for the disease. The tumor usually gives no symptoms until it is at a very advanced stage of the disease, when the prognosis is already unfavorable. It may also present symptoms that alert your specialist.
Symptoms of liver cancer
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. This symptom is closely related to liver function.
The liver plays a crucial role in the processing of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver converts bilirubin into a form that can be excreted through bile and ultimately eliminated from the body through the feces.
When there is a problem in the liver, such as liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or excessive hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), bilirubin is not processed properly. This leads to its accumulation in the blood, which causes the yellowish coloration characteristic of jaundice.
Pain and swelling in the abdomen
Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen can be a symptom of various health problems, but is commonly associated with liver and biliary conditions. This area of the abdomen houses the liver and gallbladder, so any inflammation, infection, or abnormal growth in these organs can cause pain
Unexplained weight loss and lack of appetite
Unexplained weight loss refers to a significant reduction in body weight without changes in diet or level of physical activity. This symptom can be alarming and is often an indication of a serious underlying condition, such as cancer
Fatigue and weakness
Extreme fatigue is a common symptom in patients with liver cancer. This fatigue is not relieved by rest and can be debilitating, affecting the patient’s quality of life
Nausea and vomiting
The liver is essential for metabolism and digestion. When its function is altered, as in the case of liver cancer, several digestive processes can be affected. The liver produces bile, which is crucial for the digestion of fats. If the liver cannot produce or release bile properly, this can lead to digestive problems such as indigestion, malabsorption of nutrients and accumulation of toxins in the body. In addition, the liver metabolizes many nutrients and medications; its dysfunction can disrupt these processes, causing digestive symptoms.
Swelling in the legs and ankles (edema)
Fluid retention, known as edema, occurs when the body retains more fluid than it should. In the context of liver cancer, impaired liver function can lead to a decrease in the production of essential proteins, such as albumin. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and its deficiency can cause fluid to leak out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling.
Risk factors associated with symptoms
Several risk factors are closely associated with the occurrence of liver disease symptoms, including liver cancer.
- Hepatitis B and C: these chronic viral infections are a major cause of liver cancer. Continued liver damage caused by these viruses can lead to cirrhosis and, eventually, the development of liver tumors.
- Cirrhosis: this condition, which involves severe scarring of the liver, is an advanced stage of liver damage. Cirrhosis can result from chronic hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption and other liver diseases. Scarring interferes with normal liver function and significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: prolonged alcohol abuse can cause chronic liver damage, including hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. This damage increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
- Family history: Having a family history of liver cancer may increase the risk of developing the disease. This may be due to shared genetic factors or exposure to common risk factors within the family.
- Exposure to toxins— Exposure to certain toxins, such as aflatoxins (produced by molds that contaminate food) and industrial chemicals, can damage the liver and increase the risk of cancer. In addition, prolonged exposure to environmental and occupational toxins may contribute to the development of chronic liver disease.
What to do if you experience these symptoms
Detection of some of the above symptoms should be discussed with your hepatologist or primary care physician.
Early diagnosis can significantly improve the prognosis and effectiveness of treatment. Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation and may recommend several diagnostic tests to get a clear picture of your liver health.
Common diagnostic tests
- Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the liver and other abdominal organs. This test can help detect tumors, cysts and other liver abnormalities.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can measure bilirubin levels, liver enzymes and other substances that indicate liver function. These tests can help identify infections, inflammation and liver damage.
- Liver biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. This test can provide detailed information about the presence of cancer, cirrhosis and other liver diseases.
Prevention and regular check-ups
Although liver cancer has a high lethality, it is a preventable tumor. The most common causes of cirrhosis, such as the hepatitis virus, can be avoided through vaccination campaigns and avoiding chronic alcohol consumption.
In addition, fatty liver disease is associated with increased diabetes and obesity. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent the development of liver diseases that can lead to liver cancer.
Leading a healthy lifestyle and treating the causes of cirrhosis that lead to the development of a liver tumor are critical to preventing liver cancer.
Once liver cancer has been detected, it is essential to put yourself in the hands of a multidisciplinary team. For this reason, at IVOQA we have oncologists specializing in the digestive system and interventional radiologists who work in collaboration with surgeons to offer you the best treatment.
You can make an appointment with our expert surgeons in liver cancer surgery here.
