Liver cancer starts when new cells in the liver begin to grow out of control. The cancer cells break away from the liver and may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. If you have symptoms, they can be caused by several things – including liver cancer, as well as other diseases, or conditions. The only way to know for sure if a person has liver cancer is through special tests and procedures, like biopsies and imaging tests.
The liver is a super filter of the body, filtering and removing toxins as it cleanses the blood. This means that some symptoms can be caused by other conditions and not necessarily liver cancer. However, liver cancer can also lead to no noticeable symptoms, so it is important to seek medical attention annually if you are at risk. Both the causes of liver cancer and its treatment are surrounded by myths. Learn the truth about treatment for liver cancer here.
Hepatitis C does lead to liver cancer
Hepatitis C is a very serious and potentially chronic condition that can lead to liver cancer if left untreated. While it’s true that having hepatitis C increases your risk of developing liver cancer, not all cases of hepatitis C lead to liver cancer. The good news is that treatment for hepatitis C is improving all the time, so if you’re concerned about developing liver cancer, see your healthcare provider.
Liver cancer is painful.
If you are experiencing pain and are concerned that it could be related to your liver, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Liver (hepatic) cancer is usually diagnosed in later stages when symptoms appear. This means that at this stage, most people experience strong pain or discomfort from their disease. Liver cancer patients can experience pain from both the primary tumor in the liver, as well as from other areas if the disease has spread.
Reason for Liver cancer is alcohol
Alcohol is not the only cause of liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), autoimmune hepatitis, and hereditary forms of liver cancer can also lead to this disease. While most authorities agree that alcohol abuse does play a role in at least half of the 25,000 liver cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year, there is disagreement about whether a link exists between alcohol consumption and other forms of liver cancer.
Routine tests help you to detect liver cancer
Issues with the liver can be detected on routine blood tests. Regular blood tests or liver function tests are often performed as part of a check-up. These tests, done at routine visits or when a person is experiencing problems, usually can detect early signs of liver cancer and other conditions in time to cure them or significantly improve their treatment by a radiation therapist. Your doctor will advise you on any other possible symptoms you should watch for in case of liver disease.
Cirrhosis is a precursor to liver cancer
You might not be aware that your liver can actually get cirrhosis. It is a precursor to liver cancer and has considerable risk. Of all the possible sources of hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver is the most likely cause of liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a silent disease and doesn’t always produce symptoms. The only way to determine if you have cirrhosis or cause it reverses in chronic drinkers or even malnutrition is to get blood tests.
There is no connection between lifestyle and liver cancer
Lifestyle cannot be related to the possible development of liver cancer. Liver cancer is determined by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. A healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy weight, good portions of fresh fruits and vegetables, proper exercise, minimal alcohol use, and no smoking helps not just the liver but overall health.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you have a family history or not. The fact of the matter is that anyone can get liver cancer. And it causes over ten thousand deaths per year in the United States. Liver cancer means death to those unfortunate enough to contract the disease, but you need not worry about that. Lifestyle changes with the interest of keeping your eyes open will keep this silent killer at bay.
Routine tests help you to detect liver cancer
Issues with the liver can be detected on routine blood tests. Regular blood tests or liver function tests are often performed as part of a check-up. These tests are done during routine visits or when a person is experiencing problems. Usually can detect early signs of liver cancer and other conditions in time. To cure them or significantly improve their treatment. Your doctor will advise you on any other possible symptoms you should watch for in case of liver disease.