Liver Cancer

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Doctors

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer, medically referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the liver cells (hepatocytes). It is one of the most common cancers globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Despite advancements in health screening programs, liver cancer remains a significant health concern due to its late-stage detection and high mortality rate.

What Causes Liver Cancer?

The development of liver cancer is typically linked to long-term liver conditions, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions. While the exact cause remains unclear, the following factors are known to significantly increase the risk of liver cancer:

Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections

Chronic infections caused by hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses are among the leading causes of liver cancer. These viruses cause chronic inflammation and damage to the liver over time, increasing the likelihood of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Approximately 5.24% of the global population is infected with HBV, and 2% with HCV.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis, a result of liver scarring, is a significant risk factor for liver cancer. Cirrhosis can be caused by chronic hepatitis, excessive alcohol use, or fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis leads to the formation of scar tissue that disrupts liver function and increases the risk of liver cancer.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. When it progresses to cirrhosis, it becomes a major risk factor for liver cancer.

Inherited Liver Diseases

Genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis (excess iron buildup) and Wilson’s disease (excess copper buildup) can lead to liver damage, increasing the risk of liver cancer.

Exposure to Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are toxins produced by mould that grows on improperly stored crops like grains and nuts. Consuming aflatoxin-contaminated foods increases the risk of liver cancer.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Heavy drinking over long periods can cause liver damage and cirrhosis, leading to an increased risk of developing liver cancer.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because symptoms typically appear only after the cancer has progressed. Regular screenings, especially for individuals at high risk, are essential for early detection and improving treatment outcomes.

Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Right-Sided Abdominal Pain: Persistent discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Enlarged Liver (Hepatomegaly): Swelling or enlargement of the liver, often felt during physical examination.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating liver dysfunction.
Lethargy and Unexplained Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss and persistent fatigue.
Bone Pain: Bone pain occurs when cancer has spread to the bones.
Frequent Fever: Recurrent fevers without an apparent cause.
Bleeding from Ruptured Hepatoma: In severe cases, a ruptured tumour can cause bleeding in the abdomen.

Advanced Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Once liver cancer has spread, additional symptoms may include:

Abdominal Swelling: Accumulation of fluid (ascites) in the abdomen.
Severe Fatigue: Ongoing weakness and tiredness.
Difficulty Breathing: Due to fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest.

Who is at Risk of Liver Cancer?

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of developing liver cancer:

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C infections.
Those with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis or other liver diseases.
People with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that has progressed to cirrhosis.
Patients with cirrhosis from alcohol abuse, autoimmune liver diseases, or metabolic disorders.

Regular liver cancer screenings are strongly recommended for these high-risk groups to detect cancer early.

The Importance of Screening for Liver Cancer

Due to the often-late appearance of symptoms, early detection is key. Screening includes the following methods:

Blood Tests: Check for elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a tumour marker associated with liver cancer.
Imaging Tests: Abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs are used to detect abnormal growths or tumours in the liver.

At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), we encourage individuals at risk, such as those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, to undergo regular liver cancer screenings. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment success and survival rates.

FAQs About Liver Cancer Causes and Symptoms

Liver cancer often has no early symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and fatigue may develop.

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C infections, cirrhosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with cirrhosis are at higher risk. Lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption also contribute.

The hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent chronic hepatitis B infection, a major cause of liver cancer. It’s especially important for individuals at high risk.

Excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to aflatoxins can increase the likelihood of liver cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight is key to reducing risk.

Advanced liver cancer symptoms include jaundice, abdominal swelling, persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. In some cases, a ruptured tumour may cause internal bleeding.

Liver cancer is often diagnosed late because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, or weight loss usually appear when the disease has advanced. This highlights the importance of regular screenings for individuals at high risk, such as those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Reference