Malignant tumoral formations that develop in the liver are called liver cancer.
The liver is the body’s largest internal organ. Removal of various wastes from the body, various
functions of many life functions, including absorption of nutrients and wound healing.
responsible for its implementation. The liver, located in the upper right part of the abdomen,
It is also responsible for the production of bile. Bile secretion, mechanical digestion of fats and various
Helps absorb vitamins and minerals. Liver in blood circulation when necessary
It stores excess glucose (blood sugar). Thus, in times of hunger,
It keeps the blood sugar at a constant level by releasing the sugar back into the blood circulation. miscellaneous medicine
and neutralization of toxins is also carried out in the liver. in liver tissue
If cancer develops, it damages the cells of this organ and does not fully perform its functions.
It may prevent you from bringing it.
Liver cancers are basically divided into two groups as primary and secondary.
is examined. Primary liver cancers are cancer that starts in the cells of this organ.
type. Secondary liver cancers start in another organ and spread to the liver from there.
Used to identify cancers that have spread. This condition is called metastasis. in the body
Unlike other cells, cancer cells become malignant after they acquire a malignant character.
It can spread to different parts of the body. This spread is usually in the blood or lymph circulation systems.
happens through. Follow the rest of the article to get detailed information about liver cancer.
you can.
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer describes cancer that begins in the liver. This cancer is different
Although it can occur in various types, it is most commonly called hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver.
type of cancer is encountered. Hepatocellular carcinoma of the main liver defined as hepatocytes
develops from the cell. Apart from this type of cancer, such as Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma
There are also rarer types of liver cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
Signs and symptoms of liver cancer include jaundice, significant right-sided abdominal pain, right-sided
There are complaints such as shoulder pain or feeling a lump in the upper right region of the abdomen. This
In addition to the complaints, complaints such as weight loss and fatigue that are not specific to liver cancer
can also be found.
During the course of cancer developing in the liver, obstruction in the gallbladder, anemia (anemia) and
symptoms such as bleeding may occur. There is no screening test yet for liver cancer.
It is very difficult to gain awareness about the symptoms of this disease due to the absence of
is important.
Symptoms of primary liver cancer appear at relatively early stages
tends to. Secondary liver cancers, on the other hand, cause extensive damage to the liver.
It may not give any indication before it occurs. Symptoms and signs that may occur during the course of liver cancer
The findings can be summarized as follows:
● Involuntary weight loss
● Anorexia
● Abdominal pain in the upper region
● Nausea and vomiting
● General weakness and fatigue
● Abdominal bloating
● Yellow discoloration of skin and mucous membranes
● White, chalky stools
Liver cancer is a condition caused by mutation in the DNA of liver cells.
Cell DNA, cell life cycle and control of division rate, especially
contains genes for almost all cellular functions. occur in DNA
Incoming mutations cause changes in the instructions of these genes, causing uncontrolled cell
cleavage may result. As long as the cancer cell continues to divide
The course of the complaints it creates also changes. Therefore, knowing about the symptoms of cancer
It is very important for early diagnosis and treatment.
What are the Stages of Liver Cancer?
For the treatment planning of liver cancer, staging should be done first. This
Staging generally consists of four stages. Tumor tissue in stage 1 liver cancer
It is located in the liver and has not affected any other organ or structure. Phase
2 In liver cancer, small tumoral formations are located within the liver tissue or
malignant tumor tissue is detected as having reached the blood vessels. Stage 3 liver
In cancer, more than one large tumor has affected the liver tissue or a
a large tumor is detected as having invaded a large vessel. end stage liver
In cancer, liver cancer has now metastasized and spread to other parts of the body.
has spread.
How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
There are various methods used in the diagnostic approach to liver cancer. blood tests,
It is useful in detecting problems with liver enzymes. Ultrasonography, computerized
imaging methods such as tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to detect where the cancer is
can contribute to the In addition to blood tests and radiological examinations, liver
Biopsy is a very effective method in detecting the structure of cancer.
Liver biopsy where the physician advances a fine needle through the skin into the liver to sample tissue
by doing it. After this procedure, the tissue sample taken is sent to the laboratory.
Pathological examination of the characteristics of cancer cells is carried out under the microscope. Biopsy
The procedure itself has risks such as bleeding, bruising or infection.
After the diagnosis of liver cancer, physicians should consider the cancer before treatment planning.
perform the staging. Staging determines the size, localization, and spread of cancer
can be demonstrated by Bone scans, radiological imaging methods, staging
These are very important tests.
How Is Liver Cancer Treated?
Many different treatment interventions that can be used in the treatment planning of liver cancer
available. Physicians decide which treatment method should be used by putting many different characteristics of the patient into the foreground.
They decide what is best for the individual. Tumor location, size and number
The extent to which liver functions are affected, including the presence of cirrhosis or other cancer
factors such as whether it has spread to body parts, should be considered before treatment planning.
are kept. When all these factors are evaluated and treatment applications are started,
Surgical treatment methods are at the beginning of the methods that can be applied:
● The affected part of the liver in the procedure called partial hepatectomy,
surgically removed. This surgery is usually performed on the liver detected at an early stage.
applicable to cancer. Over time, healthy liver tissue
can complete.
● Liver transplantation (transplantation), transplantation of a liver from a suitable donor to the patient.
is to be done. Transplant treatment attempts, especially non-metastatic
may be preferred in these cases. After transplantation, patients will receive a drug that will delay rejection for life.
has to use.
● In another treatment method called ablation, ethanol injections,
the tissue forming liver cancer with applications such as cooling or heating.
destruction is intended. This application is usually performed under local anesthesia and the related
By anesthetizing the area, the person is prevented from feeling pain during the procedure.
● Elimination of cancer cells with high-energy radiofrequency waves
Radiotherapy applications aiming at internal and external
analyzed in two groups. In external beam radiotherapy, the area where the cancer is located is externally
targeted and bombarded with high-energy rays. In internal beam radiotherapy
a small amount of a radioactive material, where cancer is found.
It is left next to the area or directly into it.
● In the treatment attempt called chemotherapy, which causes liver cancer
It is aimed to destroy the cells with the help of strong chemical drugs.
● Targeted therapy applications, such as cancer tissue growth and blood support.
are the methods used to block the features. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Unlike methods such as cancer treatment with healthy cells in targeted therapies,
cells are separated from each other.
● In addition to these treatment methods, immunotherapy interventions may also benefit some individuals.
can provide.
Liver cancer is a type of cancer in which various treatment interventions can be applied. This
To get more detailed information about the type of cancer, you can apply to a specialist.
You can get support from doctors.
