Liver cancer is a condition characterized by the development of cancerous cells in the liver.

The liver is one of the largest organs of the body. Its primary purpose is to filter blood. During this process of filtration, the cancerous cells from other parts of the body may end up in the liver by traveling through the bloodstream. In most cases, liver cancer occurs due to the spread of cancerous cells from one part of the body to the liver. This type of cancer is called secondary or metastatic liver cancer.

Types of liver cancer

• Primary liver cancer: In this case, the formation of cancer cells starts in the liver. It is rare as compared to secondary or metastatic liver cancer.
• Secondary or metastatic liver cancer: It is the most common type of liver cancer which arises in another part of the body and gradually spreads to the liver during the process of filtration of blood. This type of cancer is usually named after the organ from which it had originated.

Symptoms of liver cancer
Individuals affected by this condition do not notice its symptoms until cancer has reached an advanced stage. The most common symptoms of this condition are:

• Sudden loss of weight
• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Fatty liver
• Weakness
• Vomiting

Risk factors of liver cancer

• Hepatitis B or C: Individuals affected by hepatitis B or C are at higher risk of developing liver cancer. It is also the most common cause of liver cancer.
• Diabetes: Individuals affected by type 2 diabetes along with hepatitis face a higher risk of liver cancer.
• Hereditary factors: If there is a family history of liver cancer, an individual faces a greater risk of being affected.
• Heavy consumption of alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Smoking: If an individual is affected by hepatitis B or C, they must avoid smoking as this habit increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

Treatment
The survival rate for liver cancer is low. It can be treated easily when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. The treatment varies according to the stage of cancer. Some of the most common treatment options are:

• Surgery: This procedure is usually done when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, while the cancerous tumor is small. Surgery is done only when the affected individual has a healthy liver which can recover fast and can withstand heavy blood loss.
• Liver transplant: Transplantation of the liver is done only when liver cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. This procedure is quite rare and is only suitable for a small percentage of the patients.
• Radiation therapy: This procedure involves the use of high-power energy from X-rays and protons. It helps in reducing the size of the tumor and destroying cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This procedure involves the injection of anti-cancer medicines directly into the tumor to block the blood supply and kill cancerous cells.