9. Liver Cancer: A Potentially Fatal Condition
Liver cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the liver. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally and can lead to liver failure if not diagnosed and treated promptly. There are two main types of liver cancer: primary liver cancer, which originates in the liver, and secondary liver cancer, which occurs when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread (metastasize) to the liver.
Primary liver cancer is further classified into several subtypes, with the most common being hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC accounts for approximately 75% to 85% of all primary liver cancer cases and arises from the hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver. Risk factors for HCC include chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to certain toxins such as aflatoxins, which are produced by fungi found on contaminated food products.
Another type of primary liver cancer is cholangiocarcinoma, which originates in the bile ducts within the liver. This type of cancer is less common than HCC but can be equally aggressive and challenging to treat. Risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma include primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, liver fluke infections, and certain congenital bile duct abnormalities.
Liver cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to detect until it has progressed to more advanced stages. Symptoms that may eventually develop include jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and swelling in the abdomen. Diagnosis of liver cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood tests to check for specific tumor markers, and a liver biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Liver cancer is a severe and potentially fatal condition that can lead to liver failure if not diagnosed and treated effectively. Understanding the risk factors and being vigilant for signs of liver disease can help with early detection and intervention, ultimately improving the chances of a successful outcome. (9)
