About Liver Cancer

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Liver Cancer

• Hepatic Cancer

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the liver. The most common type of primary liver cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver, which is a large organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen. The liver performs many important functions, including filtering blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing energy. When cancer starts in the liver, it disrupts these normal functions and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

There are different types of liver cancer. The most common is:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma, which starts in the main type of liver cell called hepatocytes. 

Other less common types include:

• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)

• Hepatoblastoma (a rare type that affects young children)

Liver cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Upper abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Abdominal swelling

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

The exact cause of liver cancer is not always known, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it. These include:

• Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C)

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Obesity

• Certain inherited liver diseases

Trend
• In the United States, liver cancer is becoming more common. According to the American Cancer Society, about 41,210 new cases of primary liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer will be diagnosed in 2023.
• Over the past 5 years (2018-2022), an estimated 200,000 people were diagnosed with liver cancer in the US.
• The number of liver cancer cases is projected to increase over the next five years. This shows that liver cancer is a growing concern in the United States.

History
Liver cancer has been known to medical science for centuries, but our understanding of it has greatly improved in recent decades. In the past, liver cancer was often diagnosed at late stages when treatment options were limited. However, advances in medical imaging and diagnostic techniques have allowed for earlier detection. 

The discovery of the link between hepatitis B and C viruses and liver cancer in the latter half of the 20th century was a significant breakthrough. This led to the development of vaccines and treatments for hepatitis, which have helped in preventing some cases of liver cancer. Today, research continues to improve our understanding of liver cancer and develop new treatment options.

Liver Cancer - Source of Information

• American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/liver-cancer/about/what-is-liver-cancer.html

• Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9418-liver-cancer

• Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353659

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.