09/11/2023
Among cancers that originate in the liver, this is the most common type!
Primary liver cancer is liver cancer that originates in the liver. Both children and adults can get it.
The liver helps purify toxins in the blood, digest food, store sugar - releasing energy for the body. Normally, liver cells will perform the functions of the liver until they are worn out or damaged, old cells die and are replaced by new cells.
However, when you have primary liver cancer, these liver cells grow out of control. Cancer cells begin to grow and make it difficult for healthy liver cells to perform their normal functions.
Both children and adults can get primary liver cancer, but this type of cancer is more common in adults.
There are many types of primary liver cancer and many different treatments. You should see your doctor to check the results and comply with treatment.
👉👉Types of primary liver cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of cancer originating in the liver. Most people with hepatocellular carcinoma have liver disease (or chronic liver disease) such as cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma is more common in men than in women.
Bile duct cancer (Bile duct cancer)
The liver produces bile, which helps you digest fats. The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Bile duct cancer occurs in these ducts.
👉Fibrous hepatocellular carcinoma
This is a rare type of hepatocellular carcinoma. Unlike typical hepatocellular carcinoma, this type of cancer usually occurs in women under 35 years of age who do not have liver disease.
Hemangiosarcomas and angiosarcomas - blood vessel cancers
Both types of cancer are found in the blood vessels of the liver.
Hepatoblastoma
This is a rare form of cancer, usually affecting children under 3 years old. When detected early, the disease can be cured.
Causes of primary liver cancer
There are many causes of liver cancer, but below are the most common:
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, both of which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
👉- Cirrhosis, chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis or alcohol abuse for many years.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease often occurs in obese people, even if they do not drink alcohol.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver is also one of the causes of primary liver cancer
- Some liver diseases such as hemochromatosis (hemochromatosis - the body absorbs too much iron) and Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder - the body absorbs too much copper).
- Type 2 diabetes.
If you are overweight or have been a heavy drinker for many years, you may be at high risk of developing cirrhosis, which can make you susceptible to liver cancer.
- Besides, if you eat foods contaminated with aflatoxins, you are also at high risk of getting this cancer. Aflatoxinn is a toxic substance secreted by some molds, which can be found in corn, peanuts... - improperly stored.
Symptoms of primary liver cancer
In the early stages, there will be no clear symptoms but only very general symptoms such as:
✅ Fever
✅ Feeling heavy
✅ Fatigue or exhaustion
✅ A hard lump on the right side of the abdomen just below the ribs
✅ Pain in the upper right abdomen or right shoulder blade and back
✅ Abdominal bloating
Abdominal bloating is one of the common symptoms of liver disease in general
✅ Unusual weight loss
✅ White, pale stools or dark urine
✅ Yellow eyes and yellow skin.
