Liver Cancer

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the liver. Often the abnormal growth is called a tumor.

The liver is one of the largest organs of the body and a very important part of the body.

• It helps the body get rid of harmful substances.
• It produces bile, which helps your body digest fats.
• It stores sugar, which the body uses for energy.
• It makes many proteins.

There are 2 types of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Primary liver cancer starts from cells in the liver. The 2 most common forms of primary liver cancer are:

• hepatoma, which is often associated with cirrhosis and hepatitis B or C infections
• cholangiocarcinoma, a rare tumor developing in bile duct cells.

Liver cancer is called secondary when a cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver. The secondary type is much more common in the US. The organs where secondary liver cancers most often begin are the lungs, breasts, and large intestine.

How does it occur?

Liver cancer is often caused by the spread of cancer from another part of the body. The exact cause of cancer that starts in the liver is not known. Medical problems that seem to increase the risk of liver cancer are:

• chronic hepatitis B and C infections
• scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), which most often results from alcohol abuse.

Also, long-term use of anabolic steroids can slightly increase the risk of liver cancer. Exposure to vinyl chloride and arsenic is rare but these chemicals can markedly increase your risk.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of liver cancer are:

• pain or discomfort on the right side, especially in the upper belly or around the right shoulder blade
• a hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage
• unexplained weight loss
• loss of appetite
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose liver cancer, your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will have a physical exam.

Your provider may also order these tests:

• blood tests
• ultrasound or CT scan
• laparoscopy (a surgical procedure to look at the organs inside the belly)
• biopsy (the removal of cells or tissues for lab tests, often with a needle inserted through your skin and into the liver after your skin has been numbed with an anesthetic).

How is it treated?

The treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is and if it is primary or secondary.

Possible treatments are:

• surgery to remove the tumor or part or all of the liver
• chemotherapy, which uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
• high-energy radio waves, freezing with a cold probe, or injecting alcohol into the tumor to destroy the tumor.

How long will the effects last?

The effects of liver cancer vary depending on the stage at which the tumor was detected and when treatment began. Your age and general health are also important. If a liver tumor (hepatoma) is found at an early stage, surgery may result in a cure if you don't have cirrhosis. However, surgery may not be a good option if the tumor is large, your liver is not working well, or you have cirrhosis.

The more the cancer has spread before diagnosis, the less chance for cure. Survival after diagnosis is often only several months but may be longer.

How can I take care of myself?

• Complete the full course of surgery or chemotherapy treatments your health care provider orders.
• Take the suggested medicines for nausea and vomiting to help with possible side effects of cancer-fighting treatments.
• If possible, join a support group for cancer patients to help you during your illness.
• Contact national and local self-help organizations such as:
  • American Cancer Society, Inc.
    Phone: 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
    Web site: http://www.cancer.org
  • AMC Cancer Research Center and Foundation
    Phone: 800-525-3777
    Web site: http://www.amc.org
  • Cancer Information Service
    Phone: 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)
    Web site: http://cis.nci.nih.gov
• Maintain a hopeful and positive outlook throughout your treatment and recovery.

What can be done to help prevent liver cancer from spreading or recurring?

You may be able to reduce the likelihood of spread or recurrence of liver cancer by following these guidelines:

• See your health care provider right away if you notice a return of any previous symptoms or develop any new ones.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Eat small, frequent, well-balanced meals throughout the day. Take vitamin and mineral supplements with iron, folic acid, and thiamine, if recommended by your provider.
• Make sure that restaurants and grocery stores where you buy food, and areas where you prepare food, are safe and clean.
• Exercise according to your health care provider's recommendations.
• Do not use illegal drugs.