Liver Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention

Did you know that liver cancer claims about 29,000 liver per year, or more than 79 Americans everyday?

The liver performs many important functions in the body. It filters the blood that circulates throughout the body, and converts the drugs and nutrients absorbed into ready-to-use chemicals. It is also responsible for eliminating chemical wastes and toxins from the blood for excretion.

The liver can be affected by cancer, which forms in other parts of the body, or by primary liver cancer, which starts in the liver. Normally, liver cancer is metastatic or secondary, which means that it started somewhere else in the body.

Causes

Liver cancer occurs when the liver cells develop mutations or changes in their DNA – which  is responsible for giving instructions for all chemical processes in the body. Cells may start to grow out of control and in time, develop a tumor – a mass of cancerous cells.

It is not really clear what causes many cases of liver cancer. However, there are cases when the cause is known. For example, some hepatitis viruses might lead to a chronic infection that can cause liver cancer.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of primary liver cancer include:

• Some inherited liver disease
• Chronic infection with the hepatitis virus
• Diabetes
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis

Symptoms

The symptoms of liver cancer typically do not manifest until the later stages of the disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to see your doctor or go to your nearest Bryan emergency room.

• Significant weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after a small meal
• Pain near the right shoulder blade or in the abdomen
• Itching
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin

Prevention

Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver, which in turn increases a person’s risk of liver cancer. Reduce your risk of cirrhosis by:

• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Use caution with chemicals at home or at work
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
• Take measures to prevent hepatitis C

If you think that you might have a high risk for liver cancer, it is best to ask your doctor about liver cancer screening. Questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Physicians Premier, your ER in Bryan, TX.