There are a number of conditions and factors that can lead to the development of liver cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption, chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, exposure to toxins such as aflatoxins, cirrhosis and diabetes are factors that can contribute to the development of liver cancer.
Likewise, the existence of tumors in other locations such as the colon, stomach, intestines, lung, breast and thyroid, among others, can condition the settlement of cells in the liver, which is called metastasis.
To date, the most radical treatment of choice for liver tumors is still surgery.
Can liver cancer be detected early?
Liver cancer can be diagnosed early in patients who have predisposing conditions, such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C virus, alcohol consumption, among others.
In these patients, strict follow-up with liver imaging tests every 3-6 months is recommended.
What symptoms can alert us to liver cancer?
Liver cancer does not usually give symptoms in its initial stages, however, in its more advanced stages we can find symptoms.
The most common signs are abdominal swelling, bulging of the abdomen below the ribs on the right side, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin, lighter stools and darker urine, among others.
Treatment of liver cancer
Liver cancer has a wide range of treatment possibilities that have advanced greatly in recent years:
- Surgery.
- Local treatments, including radiofrequency, chemoembolization, radioembolization and/or microwaves.
- Liver transplantation.
Assessment by an expert specialist is essential to guide the best treatment for each patient. For more information on liver cancer, consult a general surgeon.