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Posted 1/30/2006 5:20 AM |
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| Liver Cancer The liver is the largest organ in the body and is located in the right upper portion of the abdomen.
The liver performs many crucial functions. It is responsible for the removal of toxins from the human body, regulation of metabolic functions such as fat digestion, storage of glucose as glycogen, protein synthesis or breakdown, storage of blood, iron and some vitamins and many others.
In liver cancer, it is usually the cells of the liver that become cancerous. Liver cancer, or hepatoma, affects males more than females and is a common disease in Asian countries.
Statistics have reported that the average age of an Asian patient with liver cancer is about 40 to 50 years.
Most victims do not have any symptom. However some symptoms pertaining to the cancer are apparent eventually.
The most common are abdominal pain, unexplainable weight loss, loss of appetite, tiredness, weakness and frequent fever.
In more advanced and grave cases, symptoms of jaundice may also appear. Jaundice is a yellowing discolouration of the skin and eyes.
Experts have reported that Hepatitis B carriers have a much higher risk of developing liver cancer than non-carriers. The Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted either from an expectant mother to her child or through sexual relations with an infected partner.
Finally, ingestion of foodstuff containing aflatoxins could also lead to liver cancer. Aflatoxins are toxins which come from a mould which grow on grains and cereals in hot humid conditions, especially when stored in wet areas.
Early diagnosis in liver cancer has a direct impact on prognosis which end stage liver cancer patients usually succumb in 3-4 months; treated patients may live 6 to 18 months. Some of the treatment options of the cancer are discussed below:
| - Surgery (Surgical resection)
Surgery depends on the size and location of the liver cancer, and the viability of the remaining portion of the liver. Since liver cancer normally arises on the background of prior Hepatitis B infection and alcohol-related liver damage, sometimes surgery is not possible even if the cancer is small and operable. This is because removal of the part of the liver bearing the cancer leaves too little functional liver to maintain life.
| | - Ethanol Injection
Ethanol is injected into the centre of the tumour through the skin. The alcohol causes cells to dry out and cellular protein to break up, resulting in the death of the tumour cells. This method can be beneficial as it is highly toxic to liver tumours and has been proven to increase the chance of survival of up to 70%.
This treatment is highly recommended to patients who refuse surgery or who have severe liver disease that prevents them from having liver surgery.
| | - Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Although these two modalities of treatment act as options in managing liver cancer, they both have proven to be less effective. Moreover, the side effects further weaken the patient.
| | - Liver Transplantation
This treatment may at times not be a guaranteed cure for patients as past cases have shown that chances of a recurrence are substantially high. However, liver transplantation has been proven to be a more effective treatment in patients with small hepatocellular cancers.
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Regular check-ups and screening for Hepatitis B virus are crucial. Certain anti-viral drugs are known to be effective in reducing the amount of virus in the carrier and possibly reducing the chance of developing liver cancer.
Positive Hepatitis B carriers should also refrain from donating blood.
Immunisation against Hepatitis B is a valuable preventive tool. This involves 3 injections over a 6 month period and provides immunity for at least 5 years.
Alcohol consumption should be taken in moderation in order to reduce the likelihood of liver cancer.
Doctor On Duty
The Apollo Clinic Bangalore Koramangala
www.koraclinic.com
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