Dr Tanmoy Mondal

Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the liver that form a cancerous tumour. According to a medical oncologist in Kolkata, there are several kinds of liver cancer, but the most common is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 75% of all liver cancers. Other less-common liver cancer include cholangiocarcinoma, angiosarcoma, and hepatoblastoma.

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

The symptoms of liver cancer can vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. In the early stages of liver cancer, there may be no symptoms at all. As cancer grows, the following symptoms may occur, says a liver cancer doctor in Kolkata.
1. Abdominal pain or swelling on the right sid
2. Loss of appetite
3. Unexplained weight loss
4 . Nausea and vomiting
5. Fatigue
6. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
7. Itchy skin
8. Dark urine
9. Pale stools
10. Easy bruising or bleeding
11. Enlarged liver or spleen
12. Fluid buildup in the abdomen
13. Confusion or cognitive impairment (if cancer has spread to the brain)

Causes of liver cancer

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, including :
1. Chronic viral hepatitis : Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.

2. Alcohol abuse : Long-term heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, which increases the risk of liver cancer.

3. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) : NAFLD refers to a condition in which there is an excess fat buildup in the liver that can result in inflammation and scarring and lead to an increased risk of liver cancer.

4. Inherited liver diseases : Certain inherited liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease, can increase the risk of liver cancer.

5. Exposure to aflatoxins : Aflatoxins are toxins produced by a type of mould that can contaminate food, such as peanuts and corn. Exposure to high levels of aflatoxins can increase the risk of liver cancer.

6. Diabetes : People with diabetes are at an increased risk of liver cancer, possibly due to the link between diabetes and NAFLD.

7. Obesity : Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of liver cancer, possibly due to the link between obesity and NAFLD.

Treatments of liver cancer

According to the best cancer doctor in Kolkata, treatments for liver cancer include the following.
1. Liver transplant : If cancer has not spread beyond the liver, a liver transplant may be an option for some patients. This procedure involves removing the affected liver and replacing it with a new liver given by a donor.

2. Radiation therapy : It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery or as a primary treatment for liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed.

3. Chemotherapy : It uses drugs to kill cancerous cells. It may be used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery or alone.

4. Targeted therapy : Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells and their blood supply. This type of therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

5. Surgery : If the cancer is confined to the liver and has not spread to the other organs, surgery may be an option. Surgery can involve removing part of your liver (partial hepatectomy) or the entire liver (total hepatectomy) and replacing it with a new liver from a donor.

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    Dr Tanmoy mondal

    Dr. Tanmoy Kumar Mandal

    D.M.(Medical Oncology), M.D.(General Medicine)