Liver Cancer

You will find here the information on liver, liver cancer and symptoms of liver cancer. Consult your Doctor for any medical problem.

The liver is an important organ of our body. It is the largest organ in our body weighing approximately 1.500 kg. The liver is located just below the right lung and diaphragm. It is shaped like a pyramid and is made up of several different types of cells. It is divided into right and left lobes.

The liver receives blood from the heptic artery and the portal vein. The hepatic artery supplies the oxygen-rich blood, while the portal vein nutrient-rich blood from the intestines.

The liver secretes bile into the intestine to help absorb nutrients. The liver also helps in removing toxic wastes from our body. The liver helps blood clotting which is needed to stop bleeding from an injury. The liver makes cholesterol needed for cell membrane function. Sometimes excess production of cholesterol causes arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Several types of tumors, cancerous and some benign (not cancerous) can form in the liver. The benign tumors include Hemangioma, Hepatic adenomas and Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH).

The liver cancer is seen in some parts of Asia and Africa and is rare in the USA. It occurs more frequently in males than females. The common type of liver cancer is Hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a strong association between chronic hepatitis B infection and the development of this type of liver cancer.

An early cancer will have no symptoms, hence no early warning signs or symptoms. The symptoms will appear as the cancer grows. The common symptoms of liver cancer are

• Pain in the right upper abdominal area, abdominal fullness or bloating.
• Weight Loss.
• Breast swelling in males.
• Loss of appetite.
• Intestinal bleeding and
• Blood clotting problems, bruises on the skin.
• Weakness.
• Anorexia.
• Fever of unknown origin.
• Jaundice.

Note that these symptoms may be due to other causes. The treatment of liver cancer may be surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy and radiation, depending on each individual's cancer condition.

To prevent cancer one should eat lots of vegetables, lentils, legumes, and whole grains and fruits. These are loaded with dietary fibers. You should know about fruits and vegetables good for fighting cancer.

The content on this website is reviewed regularly and is updated when new information is made available. The information provided is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your Doctor.

To prevent cancer one should eat lots of vegetables, fruits, lentils, legumes, and whole grains.These are loaded with dietary fibers.