Liver cancer is one of the most serious forms of cancer affecting millions worldwide. It is estimated that liver cancer causes more than 800,000 deaths each year. While liver cancer symptoms may not be noticeable in its early stages, the disease can progress rapidly if not detected and treated in time. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the main causes of liver cancer and the available treatment options.
This blog will discuss the causes of liver cancer, the symptoms to look out for, and the available treatments. Whether you or a loved one is affected by this disease, this information can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. So, let’s get started with this and learn more about its causes and treatment options.
Doctors are still analysing and trying to understand the main causes of liver cancer. It remains unclear why some people are more exposed to the disease than others. Usually, liver cancer symptoms are not apparent in the initial stages, which makes it difficult to detect the disease early.
However, Dr Vivek Vij says that once symptoms display, seeking liver cancer treatment becomes essential. While the exact causes of liver cancer are yet to be fully understood, certain factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. These factors include:
Age: Age is one of the most significant liver cancer causes, with most cases occurring in people over 50.
Ethnicity and race: Studies have shown that certain races and ethnicities risk developing liver cancer more than others.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver cancer. So quit drinking today.
Smoking Cigarettes: The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage liver cells, causing them to mutate and turn cancerous.
Aflatoxin exposure: It is a kind of mould which usually grows on grains, peanuts, corn, etc. Exposure to aflatoxin might be one of the causes of liver cancer.
Use of anabolic steroids: Long-term use of these drugs can result in serious health issues, including liver cancer.
Age: Age is one of the most significant liver cancer causes, with most cases occurring in people over 50. As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to various health conditions, including liver cancer. Furthermore, our liver’s ability to function declines with age, which makes it more susceptible to damage and disease.
Ethnicity and race: Studies have shown that certain races and ethnicities risk developing liver cancer more than others. The reasons behind these ethnic disparities are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to differences in genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposure.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver cancer. Consuming alcohol in large quantities significantly strains the liver, making it work harder to break down the alcohol. Studies have shown that people who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer than those who do not.
Smoking cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes is another main causes of liver cancer. The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage liver cells, causing them to mutate and turn cancerous. Furthermore, smokers with hepatitis B or C are at an even greater risk of developing the disease.
Aflatoxin exposure: A toxic substance formed inside the body through a kind of mould which usually grows on grains, peanuts, corn, etc., is known as aflatoxin. Exposure to aflatoxin might be one of the causes of liver cancer.
Use of anabolic steroids: A higher risk of liver cancer has been associated with prolonged use of synthetic hormones known as anabolic steroids – created to mimic the effects of testosterone on the body. While athletes and bodybuilders frequently use them to increase muscle growth and performance, long-term use of these drugs can result in serious health issues, including liver cancer.
If you suspect any kind of symptoms, Dr Vivek Vij, the best liver transplant surgeon in India, will guide you and give you the best treatment. At AILBS India, you will get the best treatment and liver transplant success rate in India which gives you a new life.
In today’s world, people have several different ways to treat liver cancer. Before going ahead with a particular treatment plan, Dr Vivek Vij considered many factors. Some of them are as follows:
However, some major liver cancer treatments performed on people are mentioned below.
It is one of the most commonly used therapies for treating the leading cause of liver cancer. In this therapy, high-energy radiation beams are utilised to eliminate cancer cells. It can be done either by internal beam radiation or external beam radiation. In internal radiation, a small amount of radioactive material is inserted directly into or near the location of cancer. However, in the external one, the radiation is aimed at the parts of the body where cancer is particularly present.
Liver transplantation is the procedure of replacing a diseased or unhealthy liver with a healthy one which comes from a suitable donor. For example, people having liver cancer might need a liver transplant. It is essential as cancer can spread to other organs in the body. Once the transplant is done, people need to take proper medications and care so that their bodies can adapt to the new liver instead of rejecting it.
Removing some parts of the liver is known as partial hepatectomy. A few parts of the liver are removed through surgical procedures, usually performed only if early-stage liver cancer symptoms are diagnosed. However, the remaining healthy tissues will regrow and fill the missing areas over time.
A powerful form of drug therapy responsible for destroying cancer cells is known as chemotherapy. This method entails the injection of medications intravenously.
However, in almost all cases, people get chemotherapy as an outpatient treatment. If the doctors cannot treat liver cancer using other therapies, they recommend the patients go ahead with the chemotherapy. It is not performed frequently on anyone as it affects healthy cells in the human body and cancer cells. It also holds some side effects.
The diagnosis of liver cancer symptoms is often overwhelming. Thus, people need to get in touch with the patient so that they can feel comfortable, stress-free, happy, and gain all the good feelings. Liver cancer treatments are the most successful. However, it is essential to take proper action if any symptoms are found.
If you still want to know more about liver cancer, get the best treatment, or want to know the cost of a liver transplant in India, Dr Vivek Vij is here to help you. Known as the best liver transplant surgeon in India, he is well-versed in giving suitable treatment for any kind of liver cancer symptoms. Get in touch with AILBS India to know more.
Q. 1 Can cirrhosis of the liver cause cancer?
Ans: Yes, liver cirrhosis is a significant risk factor for developing liver cancer. People with cirrhosis have a higher chance of developing liver cancer than those without it.
Q. 2 Can a single dose of azithromycin pill cause liver cancer?
Ans: There is no evidence to suggest that a single dose of azithromycin pill can cause liver cancer. However, prolonged use of certain medications and exposure to other toxins can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Q. 3 Is fatty liver caused by cancer?
Ans: Fatty liver disease is a risk factor for developing liver cancer, but not everyone with fatty liver disease will develop liver cancer. Managing fatty liver disease through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, is important to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
Q. 4 Is liver bilirubin the cause of cancer?
Ans: Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver, and high levels of bilirubin in the blood can be a sign of liver disease. However, bilirubin itself is not a direct cause of liver cancer. Other factors, such as viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to toxins, are more likely to cause liver cancer.
