What Are The Types Of Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is fast-spreading cancer, and, sadly, most people aren’t aware of it until it’s too late. According to statistics released last year, liver cancer was the fourth most prevalent cause of cancer mortality in India, accounting for approximately 7% of cancer-related deaths.
There are two classifications for liver cancer. Primary liver cancer refers to cancer that begins in the liver’s tissue. In contrast, cancer that begins in another part of the body and spreads to the liver is secondary liver cancer or metastatic liver cancer.
Let’s talk about different types of liver cancers.
Different types of Liver Cancer
The numerous cells that make up the liver give rise to the many forms of primary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer may begin as a single lump in the liver, or it can begin in several locations throughout the liver at the same time.
The following are the most common kinds of primary liver cancer:
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), often called hepatoma, is the most prevalent liver cancer, accounting for 75% of all cases.
The hepatocytes, which makeup liver cells, acquire this disease. It may extend from the liver to the pancreas, intestines, and stomach, among other organs.
People with substantial liver impairment from alcohol misuse are considerably more prone to develop HCC.
Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a kind of cancer that originates in the liver’s tiny, tube-like bile ducts. These ducts help digestion by transporting bile from the liver to the gallbladder.
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer occurs when cancer develops in a segment of the channels within the liver. Extrahepatic bile duct cancer occurs when cancer develops in a segment of the ducts outside the liver.
Bile duct cancer accounts for 10% to 20% of all liver cancers.
Liver angiosarcoma
Liver angiosarcoma is an uncommon kind of liver cancer that starts in the liver’s blood vessels. Because this kind of cancer spreads so quickly, it’s frequently discovered much later.
Hepatoblastoma
Hepatoblastoma is a kind of liver cancer that is exceedingly uncommon. It’s almost commonly detected in youngsters, particularly those under three.
With surgery and treatment, the prognosis for this form of cancer may be quite excellent. When hepatoblastoma is discovered in its early stages, the survival rate exceeds 90%.
Symptoms of liver cancer
The symptoms of liver cancer are often unclear and might not present until the illness has progressed. They may include:
- Unusual weight loss
- A decrease in appetite
- Getting overfilled even after eating a small meal
- Vomiting and feeling unwell
- Abdominal discomfort or swelling
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes)
- Itchy skin
- Feeling exhausted and weak
If you experience any of the symptoms described above, see your doctor. It’s important to get them examined, even if they’re more likely to be the consequence of a more common ailment like an infection.
Read More – Impact of COVID-19 On Liver Function
What is the most common liver tumour?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), commonly known as hepatoma, is the most prevalent liver cancer, accounting for around 75% of all cases. HCC begins in the hepatocellular cells, the most common liver cells. Hepatitis B or C infection, or cirrhosis of the liver induced by drinking, are the most common causes of HCC.
Is liver cancer fast or slow-growing?
Depending on the kind of cancer, liver cancer has the potential to spread swiftly. Hemangiosarcoma and angiosarcoma are two kinds of liver cancer that spread quickly. In contrast, hepatocellular carcinoma spreads slowly in the course of the disease.
How is liver cancer treated?
Treatment for liver cancer is dependent on the stage at which the disease is discovered. If cancer is detected early enough, it may be feasible to eradicate it.
Treatment options for liver cancer in its early stages include the following:
- Surgical resection: A procedure in which a portion of the liver is removed.
- Liver transplant: The liver is replaced with a liver from a donor.
- Microwave or radiofrequency ablation: Cancer treatment in which microwaves or radio waves are used to kill malignant cells
However, only a tiny fraction of liver tumours are detected at an advanced stage, making these therapies ineffective. In most cases, cancer is discovered after it has progressed too far to be removed or eradicated.
In these instances, cancer therapies such as chemotherapy will be utilised to limit the spread of the disease and ease symptoms such as pain and discomfort, among other things.
Conclusion
Your prognosis, or outlook, is determined by factors such as your general health, the kind and stage of your cancer, and how well you react to the therapy.
Liver cancer can be treated for the few people who can receive a successful organ transplant. About one-third of persons with liver cancer who undergo surgery to remove tumours or sections of the liver are cured.
You can book an appointment with our experts to know about liver cancer and all things related.