Primary Liver Cancer: Know Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, And Preventive Measures

Liver cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It begins in a liver cell called hepatocyte. This makes HCC the primary liver cancer.

HCC occurs when liver cells see alterations or mutations in the DNA and end up growing uncontrollably into a cancerous tumor. Other less common types of liver cancer are intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma. HCC is most common in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Symptoms

Most patients do not show any symptoms in the primary stages of cancer. However, the symptoms may include:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Consistent abdominal pain and abdominal swelling
• Persistent loss of appetite
• General weakness and fatigue
• Feeling of nausea
• White and chalky stools
• Yellowing of skin and eyes

Risk factors

Men are more prone to develop HCC as compared to women. As per the National Institutes of Health, HCC rarely occurs before the age of 40 years; however, some young people also develop it. While there is no definitive cause of HCC, a few risk factors may make one more prone to primary liver cancer. The risk factors may include:

• Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV): As per a paper published in MDPI journal, hepatitis B infection accounts for 60% of HCC cases in Asia and Africa.
• Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV): As per a study published in Nature journal, chronic hepatitis C infection was found to be the most common underlying liver disease among patients with HCC in North America, Europe, and Japan.
• Family history of liver disease: Genetic diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease make one susceptible to HCC.
• Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked with cirrhosis and HCC. As per Gastroenterology, studies in the US and Italy indicate that alcohol is the most common cause of HCC, accounting for 32-45% of HCC cases.
• Consuming Aflatoxin B1: Aflatoxin B1 is believed to be one of the most harmful naturally occurring carcinogens. It is produced by fungi and can be found in contaminated nuts, corn, and grains.

HCC Prevention

A few steps along with a disciplined lifestyle can help to stay away from this deadly disease:

• Get the hepatitis B vaccine: As per the National Cancer Institute, “being vaccinated for HBV as a newborn has been shown to lower the risk of liver cancer in children.”
• Get treated for hepatitis B and hepatitis C: Untreated hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis, a condition in which your liver is damaged or scarred. This in turn makes one prone to HCC. Quick treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C can prevent the conditions leading to HCC.
• Avoid alcohol: Reducing alcohol consumption or staying away from it could improve liver health.
• Regular screening: One can undergo regular screening for HCC under the guidance of their physician. Doctors recommend tests like ultrasound scans and blood tests for Alpha-fetoprotein to detect HCC.