Liver Cancer
Liver is the second largest organ in your body and located under your rib cage on the right side.
- Liver processes foods and drinks into energy and nutrients which body can use.
- Removes harmful substances from blood.
Liver cancer: uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the tissue of the liver (primary liver cancer) or abnormal cells that spread to the liver from the other organs (metastatic liver cancer).
- Gender: More common among males than females.
- Age: Most common in older people. Most people diagnosed are 55 and above.
- Chronic viral hepatitis B&C: These infections can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis: Disease occurs when liver cells become damaged and replaced by scar tissue.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Obesity: It can cause fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Tobacco use
- Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes tend to be overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems in the liver.
- Occupational exposure to chemicals
- Weight loss (with unknown reason)
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling very full after a small meal
- Nausea or vomiting
- General weakness and fatigue
- Pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade
- Itching
- White, chalky stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
- Enlarged liver and spleen.
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Be physically active (exercise for at least 30 min/day, 5 days/week)
- Prevent infection with hepatitis B&C by:
- Get vaccinated (Hepatitis B).
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or other personal items.
- Get medical care if you are exposed to blood or needle sticks at work.
- Eat healthy diet including all food groups like grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, legumes and milk products.
- Get regular medical checkup
- Avoid breathing in or touching toxic chemicals.
It is often hard to find liver cancer early because signs and symptoms often do not appear at an early stage. So, you should check with your doctor in a regular manner.
- + Risk Factors
-
- Gender: More common among males than females.
- Age: Most common in older people. Most people diagnosed are 55 and above.
- Chronic viral hepatitis B&C: These infections can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis: Disease occurs when liver cells become damaged and replaced by scar tissue.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Obesity: It can cause fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Tobacco use
- Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes tend to be overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems in the liver.
- Occupational exposure to chemicals
- + Signs and Symptoms
-
- Weight loss (with unknown reason)
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling very full after a small meal
- Nausea or vomiting
- General weakness and fatigue
- Pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade
- Itching
- White, chalky stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
- Enlarged liver and spleen.
- + Prevention
-
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Be physically active (exercise for at least 30 min/day, 5 days/week)
- Prevent infection with hepatitis B&C by:
- Get vaccinated (Hepatitis B).
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or other personal items.
- Get medical care if you are exposed to blood or needle sticks at work.
- Eat healthy diet including all food groups like grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, legumes and milk products.
- Get regular medical checkup
- Avoid breathing in or touching toxic chemicals.
- + Early Detection
-
It is often hard to find liver cancer early because signs and symptoms often do not appear at an early stage. So, you should check with your doctor in a regular manner.