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Table of Contents

• What is Liver Cancer?
• What are the Different Types of Liver Cancer?
• Who Faces a Higher Risk of Liver Cancer?
• 3 Easy Ways to Lower Your Liver Cancer Risk
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of liver cells.

The early stages of liver cancer do not have noticeable symptoms.

However, patients experience several symptoms, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, upper abdominal pain, jaundice, pale stools, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite, as the disease progresses.

The severity of liver cancer depends on several factors, such as location, size, metastatic status, and overall health of the patient.

The treatment is based on these factors. Detecting the disease early improves the overall quality of life and survival. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver cancer and not to ignore them.

What are the Different Types of Liver Cancer?

Based on the starting location of the cancer, liver cancer may be primary (that starts in the liver) or secondary (that spreads to the liver from another organ).

The following are the different types of primary liver cancer:

• 1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): It originates in the hepatocytes. It generally affects adults with a history of liver damage caused by various liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
• 2. Cholangiocarcinoma, or Bile Duct Cancer: This liver cancer type develops in the bile ducts situated inside (Intrahepatic) or outside (extrahepatic) the liver. It is a rare cancer and difficult to diagnose at an early stage.
• 3. Angiosarcoma: It is a very rare and aggressive type of liver cancer. It starts in the blood vessels of the liver and typically occurs in older adults. It is a difficult-to-treat condition.
• 4. Hepatoblastoma: It is sporadic, and it occurs almost exclusively in children <4 years of age. Many cases of hepatoblastoma can be cured with early treatment.

Who Faces a Higher Risk of Liver Cancer?

Anyone can get diagnosed with liver cancer. However, patients with certain factors have an increased risk of liver cancer. These factors include:

• 1. Viral Infections: Viral infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increase the risk of liver disease when they become chronic or are left untreated.
• 2. Underlying Liver Diseases: Certain diseases, such as cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, increase the risk of liver cancer.
• 3. Lifestyle Factors: Various unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and eating unhealthy food (resulting in diabetes and obesity), increase the risk of liver cancer.
• 4. Environmental and Dietary Exposures: Exposure to aflatoxins (from moldy grains, corn, and nuts), arsenic, vinyl chloride, and other industrial toxins increases the risk of liver cancer.
• 5. Genetic and Other Conditions: Some inherited disorders, like Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, increase liver cancer risk.
• 6. Other Factors: Other factors that may increase liver cancer risk are older age, family history, gallbladder removal, and betel quid chewing (especially with tobacco), which enhances the risk of liver cancer.

3 Easy Ways to Lower Your Liver Cancer Risk

It is important to understand what can be done to prevent liver cancer. The following are some of the effective liver cancer prevention tips:

1. Taking the Hepatitis Vaccination

As hepatitis B is a significant cause of liver cancer, getting vaccinated reduces the risk of liver cancer.

When taken as scheduled, the vaccine is 95% effective. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer if given at birth, especially in newborns.

Because of its efficacy in lowering liver cancer risk, the U.S. FDA recognized it as the first "anti-cancer" vaccine.

2. Addressing Fatty Liver

Addressing fatty liver or excess fat accumulation in the liver can lower the risk of liver cancer.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by fat buildup in the liver and increases the risk of liver cancer.

It can be managed through losing weight, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

3. Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Avoiding alcohol consumption and tobacco significantly lowers the risk of liver cancer and helps in liver cancer prevention. Evidence suggests an ≤86% increase in liver cancer risk with smoking and an ≤87% increase with heavy alcohol use.

Further, even moderate alcohol use in people with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, increases liver cancer risk. Thus, it is advised that women have no more than one drink a day and men have no more than two.

Conclusion

Individuals often ask about how to avoid liver cancer. Liver cancer is a serious condition, especially if it remains undiagnosed at an early stage.

Risk factors for liver cancer are hepatitis infections, fatty liver, and alcohol and tobacco use. Understanding risk factors and following liver cancer prevention measures can help reduce the risk of liver cancer.

As a leading cancer hospital in India, we, at HCG Cancer Centre, offer comprehensive liver cancer care, starting from screening and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care after the treatment.