LIVER CANCER:

IT’S CAUSES, PREVENTIONS,

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

CHESTER APEGO
What is Liver Cancer?

Is a type of cancer in which malignant cells are

found in the liver, the second largest organ in our body!
The liver weighs about 2 to 6 pounds and is located in
the right upper abdomen.
1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma or Hepatoma -

is the most common form of liver cancer. It develops

within the hepatocytes, and usually confines itself to the
liver and rarely spreads to other organs.
2. Cholangiocarcinomas or Bile Duct Cancer -

is a form of primary liver cancer that develops in the

small bile ducts within the liver. This type of cancer is more
common among women.
Classifications of Liver Cancer:

Liver cancer can also be classified as primary or secondary.

 Primary liver cancer is cancer that has originated in the liver.

 Secondary liver cancer is cancer that has spread to the liver

from another location in the body.
Liver Cancer Causes and Risk
Factors

 The exact causes of liver cancer aren't known at this time.

Researchers have identified several known risk factors for
liver cancer, though. Cirrhosis, a condition marked by scarring
of the liver, is a major risk factor for liver cancer.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer does not present any symptoms in the early stages.
As the disease progresses, symptoms of liver cancer include:
 jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and eyes)
 unintentional weight loss
 loss of appetite
 pain and/or discomfort on the right side of the abdomen
 pain or discomfort that occurs in the right shoulder blade
TREATMENT OF LIVER CANCER

 Partial hepatectomy: A partial hepatectomy is the

surgical removal of the cancerous part of the liver.

 Liver transplant: In this procedure, the diseased liver

is removed and is replaced with a part or entire healthy liver.
 Radiofrequency ablation: This is the use of a probe that has tiny
electrodes that destroy cancer cells. The probe is inserted through an incision
in the abdomen, under anesthesia.

 Chemotherapy may be prescribed to treat liver cancer. Treatment drugs

work by eliminating rapidly multiplying cancer cells
 LIVER CANCER PREVENTION

Some cases of liver cancer can't be prevented.

Factors, such as genetics and involuntary exposure to
certain chemicals, are things we can't really control. There
are, however, some simple lifestyle changes we can make
to help reduce our risk factor for liver cancer.
Top 5 Ways to Prevent
Liver Cancer

1. Quit Smoking

If you are smoker, now is never a better time to quit. Smoking

has been linked to liver cancer in studies. Smoking not only has
been linked to liver cancer, it has also been connected with many
other types of cancers and diseases as well.
2. Watch Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and alcohol abuse

leads to a disease causes cirrhosis. Having cirrhosis is can lead
to liver cancer. If you drink, do so in moderation
3. Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine for You and Your
Children

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all children in the United

States and is required for school entry. Ensure your children receive the
vaccine at recommended ages. Hepatitis B infection is a major risk factor for
liver cancer development.
4. Practice Safe Sex

By having unprotected sex, you can contract many diseases, including

hepatitis C. Being infected with hepatitis B or C is one of the major risk factors
for liver cancer.

5. Don't use Illegal Drugs

Contaminated needles shared by drug users can transmit hepatitis C.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose Liver
Cancer

Physical Exam.

The physical exam is the first step in diagnosis any disease,

liver cancer included. The doctor will check for any
abnormalities like lumps, listen to your heart and lungs and
check for other things. A physical exam is normally painless.
Alpha-fetoprotein Tumor Maker Test (AFP)

A tumor marker test measures the amount of substances in the body

released by cell and organs. Many times, an increase in the level can
indicate diseases. The alpha-fetoprotein test can indicate liver cancer,
cirrhosis and hepatitis, if there is a hike in the levels.
Ultrasound.

During an ultrasound, a technician uses a small instrument that glides

along your skin that reveals your organs on a screen. The ultrasound uses
high energy waves that bounce off organs to reveal an image. It is
completely painless and allows doctors to get a good look at the liver.
Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is an exploratory surgical procedure. Tiny

incisions are made into the abdomen and a lighted scope is
inserted for the surgeon to view the organs. The surgeon is
looking for abnormalities or signs of disease.
Biopsy

A biopsy made is done during the laparoscopy or during an

ultrasound. A very fine needle is inserted through the skin. The
liver and a small sample of cells are taken.
Liver Symptoms Questionnaire*

 Please note this questionnaire is not a replacement for

medical check-up and is not intended to diagnose any type of
liver disease.
Do you have?

 Acne, blemishes hives or itchy skin?

 Discoloration in eyes (particularly yellowish blips)?

 Hemorrhoids or varicose veins?

 Hormonal imbalances (PMS, menstrual or menopausal concerns)

 Heat in upper body such as warm face or hot eyes?

 Light colored stools?

 Gas, bloating, nausea, especially after eating fatty foods?

 Difficulty digesting fats?

 Tiredness or sleepiness after eating?

 Weak tendons, ligaments or muscles?

 Tendency to loss of appetite or other eating disorder?

 Depression that isn’t necessarily related to life events?

 Weight gain or difficulty controlling your weight?

 Tendency to wake around 1am to 3am?

 Pain under right shoulder blade?

 Outbursts of anger, irritability or rage?

 High Bilirubin levels?

SOME PICTURES OF LIVER CANCER