Track 23: Liver cancer

Sub-tracks of  Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) ─ Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) ─ Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma (CHCC-CCA) ─ Fibrolamellar Carcinoma ─ Angiosarcoma ─ Hepatoblastoma (rare, mainly in children) ─ Metastatic Liver Cancer (secondary liver cancer)

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the liver, a vital organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen. The liver is responsible for essential functions such as detoxifying the blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients.

Types of Liver Cancer:

1.     Primary Liver Cancer: Starts in the liver itself. Common types include:

o    Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most common type, originating in the liver's main cells (hepatocytes).

o    Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): Affects the bile ducts within the liver.

o    Angiosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma: Rare cancers that begin in the liver’s blood vessels.

o    Hepatoblastoma: A rare form of liver cancer that usually affects children.

2.     Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer: Cancer that spreads to the liver from other parts of the body, such as the colon, breast, or lungs.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

Risk Factors:

• Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Exposure to aflatoxins (toxins produced by mold on certain foods)
• Family history of liver cancer

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis: Blood tests, imaging studies (e.g., CT, MRI, ultrasound), liver biopsy.
• Treatment: Options depend on the stage and type of liver cancer and may include surgery (e.g., liver resection, transplant), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.