ABOUT THE DISEASE
The liver is the largest organ in the human body, located on the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs. The three critical functions that the liver performs include:
A malignant growth / tumor in the liver is termed liver cancer.They are broadly classified into two categories -(i) Primary liver cancer - a cancer that starts in the liver, and(ii) Metastatic liver cancer – a cancer that starts somewhere else and spreads to the liver.It can occur in adults and children, both.
SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
Some risk factors for liver cancer are:- Liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis- Family history of hepatitis or liver cancer- Obesity- Heavy alcohol use- Gender (more prevalent in men)
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level- Liver function tests- Imaging tests- CT/MRI/ultrasound- Liver biopsy
TREATMENT METHODS
The treatment plan depends upon the stage of the cancer, and includes:
- Liver Cancer Surgery - Removal of whole (Total hepatectomy) or part (Partial hepatectomy) of the liver - can be followed with a liver transplant.
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Cryoablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
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