Liver tumors | What you need to know

Liver cancer is one of the fastest growing and most life-threatening diseases. The malignant process can develop in both the liver tissue and the bile ducts.

There are two forms of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Primary liver cancer starts in the liver tissue, while secondary cancer spreads to the liver from other organs.

There are three types of primary liver cancer:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma: This is the most common form and accounts for the majority of primary liver tumors.
• Intrahepatic (intrahepatic) cancer – a form of cholangiocarcinoma. The process begins in the bile ducts within the liver. It accounts for 10-20% of liver tumors.
• Angiosarcoma – This form of cancer is the rarest and accounts for 1% of primary liver tumors. This form of cancer begins in the endothelium of blood vessels within the liver.

Who develops liver cancer?

Hepatocellular and intrahepatic carcinomas are more common in men and are mainly diagnosed between the ages of 55 and 64. Primary liver cancer is common in Asians and people from the Pacific Basin.

How does liver cancer develop?

The liver is one of the largest organs in our body. A person cannot live without it.

• The liver filters blood from the intestines (as well as from other organs)
• Transforms and stores nutrients absorbed from the intestines
• Converts nutrients into energy
• Produces bile juice
• Converts and stores blood sugar as glycogen, which is needed for energy
• Produces substances involved in clotting

Causes of liver cancer

The development of liver cancer is the result of changes (mutations) in genetic information – DNA. Mutations in genes that regulate cell division and growth, as well as mutations in tumor suppressor genes – lead to the development of cancerous processes.

In hepatocellular carcinoma, mutations in genes activate oncogenes or suppress tumor suppressor genes. It has been established that in cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C, changes in the DNA of the cell occur under the influence of the virus, which subsequently causes tumor degeneration.

What causes intrahepatic cancer?

Prolonged inflammation of the biliary tract increases the risk of developing intrahepatic carcinoma. Prolonged inflammation causes changes in the cell's DNA and predisposes to its cancerous degeneration.

Symptoms of liver cancer

There are no symptoms in the early stages of liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are characterized by similar symptoms:

• Pain in the right lower abdomen or right shoulder
• Jaundice
• Nausea, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss
• common weakness
• Dark-colored urine

Liver tumor diagnostics

Biochemical blood tests: Liver function tests, tumor markers, alpha-fetoprotein, and more.

Ultrasound examination: To identify anatomical and structural features of the liver and tumor formation.

Computer and magnetic resonance imaging To identify the characteristics of tumor tissue and determine the treatment path

Angiography – To study the vascular pattern of the liver

ბიოფსია – For final confirmation of the diagnostics

Fibromax - An algorithm for assessing liver damage that combines serum biochemical markers with patient age, sex, weight, and height. The test is an alternative to liver biopsy and has been clinically validated. Fibromax combines 5 tests that provide information on the presence of different types of liver damage.

Liver cancer treatment and management

Treatment for liver tumors depends on the type of tumor, its progression and degree of liver function impairment, the general condition of the body, and more.

Liver cancer prevention

There are no specific measures to prevent liver cancer, however, healthy habits protect us from its development:

• Abstaining from alcohol and toxic substances
• Weight and glycemic control
• Vaccination against hepatitis B and C viruses
• Timely diagnostics and treatment in the presence of liver or various metabolic diseases

Liver cirrhosis and tumors often remain asymptomatic for a long time, so regular monitoring of liver function and tumor screening tests are essential for early detection of the disease.

Laboratory "Synevo" offers diagnostic panels for liver functional disorders:

Source:

https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/colorectal-polyps-cancer

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge