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Understanding liver cancer

Liver cancer is a cancer that starts from the liver and can spread to other organs in the body. This condition occurs when liver cells mutate and form tumors.

The liver is one of the organs that performs many important functions. Among other things, cleansing the blood of poisons and harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs, produces bile which helps digest body nutrients such as fat and controls blood clotting.



Liver cancer is one of the five types of cancer that cause the most deaths. According to WHO research in 2015, liver cancer is responsible for more than 700,000 deaths from 9 million caused by cancer.

Type of liver cancer

Liver cancer is divided into primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer is cancer that develops or originates from the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary type of liver cancer. Generally, this type of cancer is caused by complications of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).

In addition to hepatocellular carcinoma, there are also several types of primary liver cancer, including hepatoblastoma and angiosarcoma. Hepatoblastoma is a liver cancer that only attacks children. While angiosarcoma is a cancer that develops in the cells of the blood vessels of the liver. Another rare type of primary liver cancer is cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer that develops in the bile duct.

Secondary liver cancer is cancer that develops in other organs and then spreads to the liver (metastasis). Cancer of other organs can spread to the liver, but the most common cancers are cancers of the stomach, large intestine, lungs and breast.

Stage of liver cancer

Like other types of cancer, liver cancer is also divided into several stages. This division explains the size and extent of the spread of cancer. In other words, the higher the level of experience, the greater the spread of cancer in a person.

  • Step a

There are tumors measuring less than 5 cm or 2 to 3 tumors smaller than 3 cm. Liver function is still quite normal or very minimal if disturbed.

  • Step b

There are several large tumors in the liver, but this does not interfere with liver function. The patient's condition in general is always good.

  • Step c

Cancer has spread to blood vessels, lymph nodes or other organs. At this point, the patient's condition begins to deteriorate, but the liver is still functioning.

  • Step d

Liver cancer is associated with a deterioration in the patient's physical condition and impaired liver function, regardless of the size of the tumor.

Symptoms and risk factors for liver cancer

Symptoms of liver cancer often appear at an advanced stage. In general, the symptoms that appear include:

  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Accumulation of fluid in the stomach
  • Swelling of the liver

Liver cancer can affect anyone, but it is more risky for people with liver disease and HIV / AIDS, people who are exposed to chemicals or patients who undergo radiotherapy and surgical removal. gall bladder.

Treatment of liver cancer

Treatment of liver cancer includes administration of drugs, radiotherapy and liver transplantation. The choice of method depends on the patient's condition and the stage of the cancer. Possible treatment options:

  • Operation
  • Tumor ablation
  • embolization
  • radiotherapy
  • Targeted therapy

It is possible to prevent liver cancer, including having safe sex and reducing alcohol consumption.
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