Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Overcome Dry and Fluffy Hair Here

There are various ways to beat dry, swollen hair. By applying the right treatment, hair can be more manageable and look better. To deal with dry and fine hair, you need to find the right shampoo and conditioner. In addition, you can use natural ingredients for hair care, such as coconut oil and olive oil, to make your hair more moisturized and easier to comb. Causes dry and fluffy hair Dry hair occurs when the scalp cannot produce enough oil to moisturize the hair, or when the hair loses its moisture due to cuticle lesions (a protective layer of hair). In addition, the following things can dry and spread hair: Do you wash your hair too often or use shampoo made from The habit of dry hair suddenly. Styling often uses a straightener or curling iron. Leave the hair in the sun, wind and dry air without adequate protection. Often, hair care uses chemicals, such as hair coloring, curling or permanent hair straightening. This is how to deal with dry and fluffy hair Here are some ways to deal

Know the causes of in childhood and how to overcome it

Whether we realize it or not, the risk of obesity increases with increasing access to fast food and poor nutritious food (junk food). Not only a food factor, there are still other factors that can make a child suffer from obesity and can cause health problems. Parents, know the facts and causes of child obesity here. Based on the 2016 joint research report by UNICEF, WHO and ASEAN, Indonesia has the same percentage of children who are obese and malnourished children (12%). Obesity in children occurs when their weight exceeds normal weight based on height. This condition is dangerous because it makes them at high risk of developing chronic diseases and stress. Parents need to remember that obesity is different from being overweight. The diagnosis of obese children must be made very carefully. The doctor will measure the child's weight and height and calculate the body mass index (BMI). This result will be compared with the standard / normal value Triggers obesity Many factors can c

Treatment of obesity

Obesity can be treated through a weight loss program involving a nutritionist, endocrine doctor or psychiatrist. The initial goal of this program is to lose weight safely, about 3 to 5% of total body weight. As part of this program, patients are advised to change their diet and physical activity. However, this change must be adjusted to general health conditions, as well as obesity rates in patients. Weight loss programs include: Diet changes . This change aims to reduce calorie intake and adopt healthier eating habits. By reducing calorie intake, it is recommended that people reduce their energy intake by 600 calories per day. The recommended daily calorie intake for women is 1400 calories, while men are 1900 calories. The best way to do this is to replace high-calorie foods or drinks with a choice of high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits, and avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar, or foods or drinks with artificial sweeteners. Increase physical activity In addition to