What is liver cancer?
Malignant liver tumors can be divided into two types: primary cancer (which originates in the liver itself) and secondary or metastatic cancer (originating in another organ and also affecting the liver).
Among the tumors that originate in the liver, the most common is hepatocarcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma. Aggressive, it occurs in more than 80% of cases. Other types of primary liver cancer include cholangiocarcinoma (originating in the bile ducts of the liver), angiosarcoma (a rare cancer that originates in the blood vessels of the organ), and hepatoblastoma, a rare malignant tumor that affects newborns and young children.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, abdominal mass, distension, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, malaise, jaundice (yellowish tone in the skin and eyes), and ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen).
Diagnosis
Due to the short progression time of hepatocellular carcinoma, the tumor is usually advanced by the time it is diagnosed. The average mass volume doubling time is about four months. Some tests will help the doctor confirm the diagnosis:
computed tomography (CT scan): an exam that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce images as if they were “slices” of the body and is used to detect and locate tumors
magnetic resonance imaging(MRI): does not show significant differences compared to computed tomography in terms of the ability to identify primary or metastatic liver tumors. This exam can better define the extent of the tumor in patients with liver cirrhosis
laparoscopy: allows direct visualization of the organ and biopsy (removal of a small amount of tissue for laboratory analysis to determine whether the tumor is malignant or not). It is more effective when combined with video-laparoscopic ultrasound
Treatment
Surgical removal (resection) of the tumor is the most recommended treatment when the tumor is confined to a part of the liver (primary tumor) and also in metastatic liver tumors where the primary lesion has been resected or is resectable with curative intent.
Prevention
Liver cirrhosis is the underlying cause in half of hepatocellular carcinoma cases. Cirrhosis, in turn, is associated with alcoholism or chronic hepatitis, most commonly caused by infection with hepatitis B or C viruses. To avoid developing liver cirrhosis, it is necessary to control alcohol intake, never exceeding two drinks per day. Hepatitis B virus transmission can be prevented through vaccination.
A diet high in fiber (whole grains, cereals, legumes, and fruits) and low in saturated fats helps prevent several types of cancer, such as colorectal, breast, and lung cancers—types known to metastasize to the liver.
However, attention must be paid to the origin of grains and cereals, as when stored in inappropriate and humid places, they can be contaminated by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, which produces the carcinogenic substance aflatoxin, a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Cholangiocarcinoma
It is related to inflammation of the bile ducts, especially with infestation by a digestive tract parasite (Clonorchis sinensis), which is very common in Asian and African countries.
Angiosarcoma
Associated with the carcinogenic potential of chemical substances such as vinyl chloride (used in the manufacture of some types of plastic), inorganic arsenicals, and Thorotrast (a thorium dioxide solution).