What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a cancer that originates in the liver.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Some symptoms of liver cancer include abdominal pain, swelling or tenderness, unexplained weight loss, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
What causes liver cancer?
There are several factors that can cause liver cancer, including chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis of the liver, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Is liver cancer common?
Liver cancer is not as common as some other types of cancer, but it is still a serious disease.
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis of liver cancer may involve imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, as well as blood tests to check liver function.
Can liver cancer be prevented?
Prevention of liver cancer involves avoiding risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis B if you are at risk.
What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
Treatment options for liver cancer may include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Can liver cancer be cured?
In some cases, liver cancer can be cured if it is caught early and treated aggressively. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may not be curable.
What is the survival rate for liver cancer?
The survival rate for liver cancer varies depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. However, the five-year survival rate for liver cancer is around 18%.
What are some complications of liver cancer?
Complications of liver cancer may include liver failure, bleeding, and infection.
Can liver cancer be inherited?
In some cases, liver cancer may be inherited. People with a family history of liver cancer or certain genetic conditions may be at higher risk.
What is the difference between primary and secondary liver cancer?
Primary liver cancer originates in the liver, while secondary liver cancer (also called liver metastasis) occurs when cancer cells from another part of the body spread to the liver.
What are the risk factors for liver cancer?
Risk factors for liver cancer include chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis of the liver, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain chemicals and toxins.
How is liver cancer staged?
Liver cancer is staged based on the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
What is the prognosis for liver cancer?
The prognosis for liver cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Survival rates are generally better for patients with early-stage liver cancer.
What are the symptoms of advanced liver cancer?
Symptoms of advanced liver cancer may include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
How is liver cancer treated if it has spread to other parts of the body?
If liver cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment may involve systemic therapy such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
What is the role of surgery in treating liver cancer?
Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue is often the first line of treatment for liver cancer, especially if the cancer has not spread beyond the liver.
Can liver cancer be detected through a blood test?
While liver cancer cannot be diagnosed solely through a blood test, levels of certain liver enzymes and proteins may be elevated in patients with liver cancer.
What is the most common type of liver cancer?
The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 75% of all liver cancer cases.
What is the role of radiation therapy in treating liver cancer?
Radiation therapy may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery, or as a palliative treatment to relieve pain or other symptoms.
Is liver cancer more common in men or women?
Liver cancer is more common in men than women.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer in its early stages?
Early-stage liver cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Can liver cancer be treated with alternative therapies?
While some alternative therapies may help relieve symptoms or improve quality of life, there is no evidence that they can cure liver cancer or prevent it from spreading.
Can liver cancer be diagnosed with a biopsy?
Yes, a biopsy is often used to diagnose liver cancer. A small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
What is the role of chemotherapy in treating liver cancer?
Chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells in the liver and prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
What is the role of targeted therapy in treating liver cancer?
Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific proteins on cancer cells, potentially killing the cancer cells or stopping their growth.
Can liver cancer be prevented by making lifestyle changes?
Making lifestyle changes such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
What is the difference between localized and metastatic liver cancer?
Localized liver cancer is confined to the liver, while metastatic liver cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
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