RISK FACTORS

🔹 Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection – Long-term infection can lead to liver damage and cancer.
🔹 Cirrhosis – Scarring of the liver due to alcohol, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.
🔹 Excessive alcohol consumption – Increases liver damage and cancer risk.
🔹 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Fat buildup in the liver can lead to cirrhosis and cancer.
🔹 Aflatoxin exposure – A mold toxin found in contaminated grains and nuts.
🔹 Diabetes & obesity – Both are linked to liver disease and cancer.
🔹 Family history of liver cancer – Increases genetic predisposition.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

Liver cancer symptoms often appear in later stages,

🔹 Unexplained weight loss – Sudden, unintentional weight loss.
🔹 Loss of appetite – Feeling full after eating small amounts.
🔹 Abdominal pain or swelling – Especially on the right side.
🔹 Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
🔹 Fatigue & weakness – Persistent tiredness.
🔹 Nausea & vomiting – Feeling sick frequently.
🔹 Swelling in legs – Fluid buildup due to liver dysfunction.

TYPES

🔹 Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) – The most common type, originating in liver cells.
🔹 Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) – Affects the bile ducts inside or outside the liver.
🔹 Angiosarcoma & Hemangiosarcoma – Rare types that develop in blood vessels of the liver.
🔹 Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer – Cancer that spreads to the liver from other organs.

DIAGNOSIS

📸 Imaging Tests – Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and PET-CT scan.
🩸 Blood Tests – Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test to detect tumor markers.
🔬 Liver Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken for examination.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

🔹 Surgery – Removes the tumor or affected part of the liver.
🔹 Liver Transplant – Replaces the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver.
🔹 Radiation Therapy – High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells.
🔹 Targeted Therapy – Focuses on specific cancer cell pathways to stop growth.
🔹 Immunotherapy – Helps the immune system fight cancer cells.
🔹 Ablation Therapy – Uses heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryotherapy) to destroy cancer cells.
🔹 Chemotherapy & TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) – Delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver tumor.

PREVENTION & AWARENESS

✔️ Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B – Reduces infection risk.
✔️ Avoid excessive alcohol consumption – Protects liver health.
✔️ Maintain a healthy weight – Prevents fatty liver disease.
✔️ Control diabetes & manage cholesterol – Reduces liver stress.
✔️ Eat a balanced diet – Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins support liver function.
✔️ Regular health check-ups – Early detection improves survival rates.