Ovarian Cancer: Overview and More
Learn About Liver Cancer
Envisage a bustling city, with one of the largest buildings being the liver. This organ, with its two lobes, proudly fills the upper right side of the abdomen under the protection of the rib cage. It works tirelessly to help you digest your food and rid your body of toxins. However, there are times when this mighty organ faces a formidable foe - primary liver cancer. This disease sees malignant cells forming within the liver tissues, potentially spreading from another organ to cause secondary liver cancer.The seriousness of this diagnosis depends on various factors such as the location, size, spread, and whether it is primary or secondary, as well as one's overall health. It's a reminder that even the strongest of structures can face challenges, but with knowledge and care, we can navigate through them!
Types of liver cancerAdult primary liver cancer mainly consists of hepatocellular carcinoma and bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer among adults and ranks as the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
Prevalence
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and ranks 6th globally. It is the 11th most common cancer in India. It has a male to female ratio of 4:1.
Know the signs and symptoms
These are the subtle hints of liver cancer: a hard lump on the right side just beneath the rib cage, a slight discomfort in the right upper abdomen, yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, an unexplained weight loss, pale chalky bowel movements and dark urine, fever, etc. Watch out for these signs and seek help if needed.
What causes liver cancer?Primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, often arises in livers that have been affected by factors such as alcohol abuse, chronic infections like hepatitis B and C, hemochromatosis (a hereditary disease associated with too much iron in the liver), and cirrhosis.
Interestingly, more than half of individuals diagnosed with primary liver cancer also have cirrhosis, a condition characterized by liver scarring commonly attributed to alcohol misuse. Additionally, liver cancer has been associated with obesity and fatty liver disease.
Other risk factors which have been shown to potentially increase the risk of developing liver cancer:
•Male gender•Anabolic steroid use
•History of diabetes
•Inherited metabolic diseases
Main tests for liver cancer
If the GP recommends seeing a specialist for further investigation, one may undergo a series of tests and scans to screen for liver cancer. These evaluations may consist of blood tests such as AFP, CA 19.9 and PIVKA II, imaging scans such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI; as well as a biopsy to analyse liver cells for signs of cancer.
What affects liver cancer prognosis (chance of recovery)?
Upon diagnosis of liver cancer, the outlook and available treatment choices are contingent upon various factors: the cancer's stage, liver functionality, overall health and presence of cirrhosis. Detecting and addressing liver cancer promptly could potentially avert fatal outcomes.
Various Liver Cancer Treatments
●Surveillance:Used for lesions smaller than 1 cm found during screening
●Surgery:To remove the part of the liver where cancer is found
●Liver transplant
●Ablation therapy:Removes or destroys tissue
●Embolization therapy:Used for people who cannot have surgery or ablation therapy. There are two main types: Transarterial Embolization (TAE) and Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
●Targeted therapy:Uses drugs to identify and attack specific cancer cells
●Immunotherapy:Uses the person's immune system to fight cancer
●Radiation therapy
Prevention for Protection
Taking steps to prevent cancer can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. By implementing preventive measures, we can decrease the incidence of cancer within a community or population, ultimately leading to fewer cancer-related deaths. Prevention involves steering clear of risk factors and enhancing protective factors. The following are protective factors for liver cancer:
•Receiving the hepatitis B vaccine
•Seeking treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection
•Minimizing exposure to foods containing aflatoxin B1
Be aware!!
Each October, we take the time to recognize Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It's a crucial health observance as nearly 300 million individuals worldwide are living with hepatitis B, putting them at a higher risk for developing liver cancer. Chronic viral hepatitis infections, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, account for about 80% of all liver cancers.
For those with risk factors for liver cancer, regular medical monitoring, liver cancer surveillance, antiviral treatment if needed and adopting healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. It's a reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard our health and well-being.
References:
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purpose only and does not substitute medical advice from your physician. Roche makes no representation with respect to any treatment action or application of medication through this educational endeavor and therefore will not be liable of any direct or indirect damage arising there from. Please consult your treating physician for any further advice and treatment.
Input Code: M-IN-00005179,Valid Upto: This input is not valid after 25th October 2025Issued in Public Interest by: RocheProducts (India) Pvt. Ltd. 146-B, 166 A, Unit No. 7, 8, 9, 8th Floor, R CityOffice, R City Mall, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Ghatkopar, Mumbai - 400 086.Tel: +91(22)50457300, Fax: +91(22)50457301
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Weight Loss, Fatigue? Early Detection Of Liver Cancer Symptoms Key To Treatment
Filtering toxins from your blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing energy as glycogen are essential functions of the liver. It also metabolises drugs, supports the immune system, and controls blood clotting. When cancer cells develop in the liver, they disrupt these vital processes, leading to significant health problems.
Unlike many other cancers, liver cancer often presents with few or no early symptoms, making it difficult to detect in its initial stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). These signs often develop once the cancer has progressed, emphasizing the importance of regular screening, especially for those at high risk.
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Early detection of liver cancer remains the most critical factor for successful treatment, allowing for more options and better outcomes, says Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, Chairman of Liver Transplant at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. "Treatment of liver cancer largely depends on the stage at diagnosis, ranging from highly curable early stages to more complex cases in advanced disease," he warns.
Also readWhat is liver cirrhosis, causes and symptoms of this chronic condition, expert tips to prevent
In the early stages of liver cancer, treatment options are highly effective and can even lead to a cure. "At this stage, the tumour is usually single, less than 2 cm in size, and has not spread to the blood vessels or outside the liver," says Dr Soin. Curative treatments include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), surgical resection, and liver transplantation. In surgical resection, the tumour is removed along with a portion of healthy liver tissue, and this approach is successful for patients with small, localised tumours and good liver function. Liver transplantation, where the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor organ, is another curative option, particularly for those with cirrhosis or multiple tumors limited to the liver.When the cancer progresses and surgery is no longer a viable option, but the tumour remains confined to the liver, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) becomes a key treatment. This minimally invasive procedure delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumour, slowing its growth by cutting off its blood supply. TACE can be highly effective in controlling cancer at this stage and improving survival rates.Also readBoost your liver health: Drink these healthy juices on empty stomach to detoxify, improve immunity
For advanced liver cancer, where the tumor has spread to major blood vessels but remains within the liver, Medanta has pioneered a special protocol combining transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). "This combination can dissolve the tumour in the veins, followed by liver transplantation," says D Soin. He also reveals that this novel protocol has saved many patients who were previously considered terminal. "Unfortunately, when the cancer has spread to other organs, curative treatments are not an option, but targeted therapiesand immunotherapy can help extend survival and improve quality of life. Drugs like Lenvatinib, Atezolizumab, and Pembrolizumab are commonly used to target cancer cells and support the body's immune response," he adds. Liver cancer is almost entirely preventable by addressing the major risk factors, including MASLD (Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), alcohol-related liver disease, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, making regular screenings essential for those at risk. Says Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, Director of the Sarvodaya Cancer Institute, Faridabad, "The earlier liver cancer is identified, the more treatment options are available, significantly improving patient outcomes."As one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, liver cancer continues to be the focus of extensive research. New treatment strategies, including local tumor ablation techniques, targeted chemotherapy, and the use of radioactive materials, are constantly evolving. "While liver cancer remains a significant health challenge, future therapeutic prospects are promising," says Dr Pendharkar, as clinical trials explore new ways to treat and potentially cure this complex disease. "Liver cancer treatment is advancing rapidly, and with early detection, patients have more hope than ever for successful outcomes."
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don't treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
Each Stage Of Cancer And Its Severity As ITV Star Might Not Make It To Christmas
World-renowned hairdresser Trevor Sorbie has shared the devastating news that he 'might not make it to Christmas' after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 75-year-old, famed for his award-winning work, disclosed to This Morning viewers on Wednesday (October 9) that doctors informed him in June he had terminal bowel cancer.
Sorbie, who has styled the hair of ITV's Lorraine Kelly, Robbie Williams, Helen Mirren, Bryan Ferry, Grace Jones and The Beach Boys, is celebrated as the inventor of the wedge haircut and was honoured with an MBE in 2004.
Speaking to presenters Cat Deely and Ben Shepard, he revealed that doctors gave him a six-month prognosis, implying he may not live to see the New Year.
He said: "One night, I lost a significant amount of blood and felt quite unsettled, so I decided to go to the hospital."
Sorbie was forced to call time on his 50-year career following the diagnosis. He says he's been given just weeks left to live, after doctors informed him that the cancer has spread to his liver.
He continued: "But the thing is with me, I never wake up thinking, 'Oh poor me, I've got cancer', or feel sorry for myself. I know I've got it here [points to stomach], but I haven't got it here [point to head], and I've been going to work two days a week, up until two weeks ago."
Recognising cancer in its early stages is vital for enhancing survival chances. Statistics show that one in two people will confront cancer at some point in their lives, making it crucial to understand the key stages of the disease, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Each stage of cancer and its severity:Understanding the stages of cancer is crucial to comprehending its severity, potential treatments, and survival rates. The NHS has detailed the main stages of the disease and their associated survival rates.
Stage 0 refers to cancer that remains within the original layer of cells where it began, without spreading to nearby tissues. It's classified as non-invasive, meaning it hasn't infiltrated other tissues and is generally highly treatable with a good survival rate.
Stage 1 is an early stage of cancer where the tumour is still small and likely hasn't spread beyond its initial location. However, it has penetrated surrounding tissues more deeply than Stage 0.
Treatment is usually very effective at this stage, and the prognosis is typically positive. Considering all types of cancer, the overall survival rate is over 80%. For some cancers at this stage, treatment options are highly effective, with many achieving nearly a 100% survival rate.
Stages 2 and 3 indicate that the cancer has grown more significantly or begun to spread. The cancer is larger at this point and may have reached nearby lymph nodes or tissues, but it hasn't spread to distant parts of the body yet.
Consequently, treatment options become more complex and could involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Survival rates at these stages can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer, with some boasting survival rates close to 90%, while others may plummet as low as 60%.
Stage 4 represents the final and most severe stage of cancer, indicating that the disease has spread to distant organs or other parts of the body.
Often referred to as metastatic cancer, treatment at this point is intense in an attempt to prevent the cancer from reaching a terminal stage. Although Stage 4 cancer isn't necessarily a death sentence, it can be incredibly difficult to eradicate entirely.
Trevor Sorbie shared details of his bowel cancer diagnosis on This Morning (Image: Getty)This underlines the crucial importance of early detection, which can help avoid reaching this advanced stage. The five-year survival rates for Stage 4 cancer differ significantly, with breast cancer at around 31% and stomach cancer at a mere 6.6%.
What is bowel cancer?Bowel cancer occurs when cells divide and grow in an unregulated manner. Most bowel cancers originate from polyps, benign growths that have the potential to become cancerous.
Not every polyp develops into cancer. If your doctor finds any polyps, they can remove them to reduce the chances of developing bowel cancer. Cancer cells might remain in the bowel or could potentially spread to other areas, like the liver or lungs.
Bowel cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity or geographical location. If you notice any symptoms, it's worth discussing the possibility of an at-home test with your GP.
Bowel screening is a crucial tool in early detection of bowel cancer, often before symptoms even manifest, making treatment more effective. If you're eligible for screening and registered with a GP, you'll receive a screening kit through the post.
However, if you're already experiencing symptoms, don't wait for the screening test - contact your GP to discuss an at-home test. Symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
While these symptoms don't necessarily indicate bowel cancer, it's important to investigate their cause.
How common is bowel cancer?According to Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with almost 44,000 people diagnosed each year.
The vast majority of these cases, around 94%, are in individuals aged 50 and over. However, it's crucial to remember that bowel cancer can affect people of all ages, with over 2,600 new cases diagnosed annually in those under 50.
Over their lifetime, 1 in 17 men and 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is both treatable and curable, particularly when detected early. Almost everyone diagnosed at the initial stage survives this type of cancer, but survival rates decline significantly as the disease progresses.
Early detection is key to saving lives. In the UK, over 16,800 individuals succumb to bowel cancer each year.
However, the mortality rate has been on a downward trend since the 1970s, thanks to earlier diagnoses, improved treatment options, and the implementation of the national bowel cancer screening programme. While bowel cancer is most common in those over 50, it can also affect younger individuals.
If you experience any symptoms, regardless of your age, it's crucial to consult your GP about an at-home test.
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