What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Liver

The exact cause of liver cancer has not been known but there are certain observations made by medical research experts concerning the disease. You need to know these findings so that you go check yourself to find out whether you are vulnerable to the disease or not.

Researchers in hospitals and medical centers around the globe are working round the clock to discover more about what causes liver cancer but research has shown that there are risk factors that can make a person to develop breast cancer. Research report shows that infections such as chronic Hepatitis B or C which are caused by viruses can lead to liver cancer.

These viruses can be passed from one person onto another through blood transfusion, sharing of sharp instruments such as needles, and sexual intercourse. A newborn child may also contact these viruses through the infected mother. Cancer of the liver can develop after many years of infection with the virus.

These infections may not necessarily show any signs and symptoms but blood tests can show whether either hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus is present. If any of the two viruses is there then the doctor may prescribe some medications. Also the doctor may advise the person on ways to avoid infecting other people.

Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent chronic hepatitis B infection if the person is not yet infected with hepatitis B virus. And can protect the liver from developing liver cancer.

Research has also shown that cirrhosis may cause liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a disease that develops when liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. Cirrhosis may be caused by alcohol addiction, side-effects or complications due to certain medications, harmful chemicals and microbes such as viruses and some parasites. Medical reports show that 5% of people suffering from cirrhosis later develop liver cancer.

Liver cancer is prevalent among the middle-aged and elderly people. Also the disease is twice as common in men as in women.

The disease is rare in the United Kingdom and other countries in the Western World. It is common in tropical Africa and various parts of Asia.

There are two basic or primary types of liver cancer which are Hepatoma or Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer. The former is more common in men while the later is more common in women.

Cancer of the liver shows no signs and symptoms in the early stages of the disease but shows signs on the long run. Common signs and symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea (feeling sick), weakness, and tiredness.

The disease can be treated by surgery, lobectomy, liver resection, liver transplant, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, it's highly advisable that you visit your doctor if you think that you are at risk of developing the disease so that he will check your body and make relevant recommendations and suggestions.