Liver cancer: causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver tumor (up to 80% of all cancers), developing from hepatocytes.

Чаще всего liver cancer develops in patients with diagnosed cirrhosis. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma develops on average thirty times less often than secondary, which complicates diagnosis and timely therapy, since the patient mistakes many signs for manifestations of other diseases and is in no hurry to see a doctor.

Liver cancer: symptoms and signs in the early stages, development factors

The exact cause of this type of cancer has not been established, as has the cause of mutation of any cells in the body, leading to the development of malignant tumors. However, there are factors that contribute to the formation of cancer:

• Chronic liver diseases: most often, HCC appears against the background of liver cirrhosis (in 80% of cases). In addition, hepatitis of various types (B, C), alcoholic and non-alcoholic chronic dystrophic liver diseases lead to the development of a tumor.
• Long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages destroys liver cells, which also leads to the development of cancer.
• Improper nutrition leads to excess weight and slow metabolism, which can also be a factor in the development of cancer.
• Hereditary diseases, such as Hemochromatosis: characterized by impaired iron metabolism, which leads to the accumulation of the substance in the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Diseases such as diabetes, syphilis, and cholelithiasis also influence the development of this type of cancer. In addition, the development of malignancy is influenced by disturbances in the functioning of various body systems, as well as certain medications.

The symptoms of liver cancer in the early stages are difficult to determine. As a rule, in this case, diagnosis is made by chance while conducting research for other indications.

The following features are distinguished:

• discomfort and pain in the epigastric region;
• sharp weight loss;
• formation of spider veins, varicose veins;
• symptoms of body intoxication: increased body temperature in combination with headache and other symptoms;
• loss of appetite;
• increase in waist circumference due to tumor growth;
• nosebleeds;
• nausea;
• change in the shade of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera: they take on a characteristic yellow color;
• general weakness;
• light color of stool or dark color of urine;
• itchy skin;
• development of anemia;
• palpable node in the liver area.

All these signs indicate the development of liver cancer only indirectly, therefore, if there is the slightest discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor for additional examinations.

Varieties, complications and stages

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common, but other types are also distinguished:

• fibrolamellar carcinoma, which is a subtype of the classic type with a more favorable prognosis;
• cholangiocarcinoma, formed from cells of the bile ducts;
• hepatoblastoma, typical for pediatric patients;
• angiosarcoma, which develops due to exposure to vinyl chloride, an industrial carcinogen;
• Klatskin tumor is a cholangiocarcinoma that develops at the hilum of the liver.

Malignant liver tumors are diverse, therefore, when a formation is detected, it is necessary to perform a biopsy for accurate morphological differentiation.

During the diagnosis, the TNM method is used, which determines various changes in education.

• T indicates vascular invasion, and also determines the number of tumor nodes, the size of the largest formation, its invasion into neighboring organs;
• N determines the presence of metastases in the lymph nodes;
• M indicates that metastases have formed in distant organs.

Complications of this type of cancer are associated with the course of cancer pathology and its development. The following consequences are identified:

• obstructive jaundice caused by compression of the bile ducts and germination of the formation;
• liver failure, leading to swelling of the lower extremities, weakness, as well as an increase in abdominal volume and yellowing of the skin;
• portal hypertension, characterized by increased pressure in the portal vein system and the formation of varicose veins in the esophagus, which often causes gastric bleeding;
• intestinal obstruction caused by tumor growth into neighboring organs;
• neurological disorders caused by the formation of metastases in the brain;
• bone pain caused by the spread of metastases into bone tissue.

The following stages of the disease are distinguished:

• The first, in which the tumor does not exceed two centimeters, and noticeable symptoms are not detected. Sometimes the patient may notice increased fatigue and minor epigastric discomfort.
• The second stage is characterized by a tumor of two to five centimeters. At this stage, there is heaviness and dull pain in the right hypochondrium.
• The third stage, during which the tumor spreads to neighboring tissues and organs, and the pain syndrome becomes so severe that the patient turns to a specialist.
• The fourth stage is characterized by multiple metastases to various body systems. The waist circumference increases, other symptoms become more pronounced.

The prognosis depends on the timeliness of diagnosis and the presence of concomitant aggravating diseases.

Diagnostics and modern methods of treatment of liver cancer

What methods are used to detect cancer:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• study of the level of tumor antigen ACE;
• CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast;
• Ultrasound of the liver with contrast is a highly informative method for clarifying the diagnosis of early HCC in the cirrhotic liver in a highly specialized center;
• multiphase contrast CT and/or MRI of the abdominal cavity;
• laparoscopy followed by histological examination.

The choice of the optimal method of therapy depends on many factors and is always made taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as the stage of the disease and the functional reserve of the liver.

There are such methods as:

• Targeted and immunotherapy with drugs. This method of treatment allows for targeted destruction of cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue.
• Stereotactic radiation therapy can reduce the size of a malignant tumor, as well as reduce the severity of pain and is used at any stage.
• Ablation involves injecting ethanol into the tumor followed by exposure to microwave radiation. This method is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
• Vascular embolization with the use of special drugs disrupts the blood supply to the tumor formation, which makes it possible to reduce its size. This method is often used as complex therapy.
• If the formation is considered operable, surgery or transplantation of a healthy organ is performed.

For any treatment method, a special diet is additionally prescribed.

Professional consultation with a specialist

Any type of cancer is more treatable if detected early. We often don't pay much attention to minor discomforts. There are too many tasks to deal with every day, and there is often simply not enough time to take care of yourself. However, even the most minor changes in health status may indicate the development of dangerous cancer pathology. It is better to set aside half an hour to visit a specialized specialist and get a comprehensive diagnosis than to subsequently face serious consequences.

You can make an appointment for a consultation on any day convenient for you by phone.