Liver cancer

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor characterized by the development of one or more growths. Clinically distinguish between primary and secondary (metastatic) cancer. Primary in 90% of cases is represented by hepatocellular carcinoma and ranks 5th in terms of morbidity among all malignant tumors.

Metastatic cancer occurs several times more often and is characterized by metastases in the liver as a result of an oncological process in another organ, for example, the lungs, intestines, uterus.

Causes of primary liver cancer

Until now, it has not been precisely established what exactly leads to the onset of the disease: liver cancer, like other types of oncology, is still in a state of active study. Under the influence of provoking factors, the structure of DNA in the liver cells is disrupted, because of this, the cells begin to mutate and acquire the ability to grow uncontrollably and not respond to immune defense.

Potential provoking factors include:

chronic viral hepatitis B and C;
cirrhosis of the liver;

autoimmune liver disease;
long-term use of anabolic steroids;

hereditary predisposition;
parasitic liver infections;

alcohol abuse and smoking;
intoxication of the body with aflatoxins.

Symptoms

In the early stages, liver cancer usually does not manifest itself in any way. Permanent weakness may be felt, appetite decreases or completely disappears, and drowsiness occurs.

As the disease progresses, join:

painful sensations in the right hypochondrium;
gastrointestinal disorders: bloating, flatulence, changes in character (diarrhea, constipation) or stool color, nausea, sometimes vomiting;
constant low-grade or febrile body temperature;
weight loss;
an increase in the volume of the abdomen;
jaundice.

If you notice unpleasant symptoms in yourself, you should seek the advice of a specialist, undergo a full diagnosis. The Dobrobut network of medical clinics in Kyiv invites patients to consult with experienced surgeons, hepatologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists. With us, you can undergo diagnostics using the latest modern equipment, receive high-quality service at the European level, and all this at a loyal cost.

Diagnosis

If a malignant liver tumor is suspected, first of all, it is necessary to pass general clinical tests, to check the biochemical liver parameters. An indicative study is to determine the level of the tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), the level of which is increased in 80% of patients with primary liver cancer. To visualize the tumor, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the liver and abdominal organs are used. It is impossible to diagnose cancer without histological confirmation. For this, a biopsy is performed - a sample of tumor tissue is taken and sent to the laboratory to verify the diagnosis.

Liver cancer treatment in Ukraine

The principles of liver cancer treatment are determined individually by a consultation of specialists. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the pathological process, the degree of organ damage, the general condition of the patient, the presence of additional chronic diseases, etc. Treatment is complex and includes surgical removal methods, X-ray endovascular and ablation methods, radiation, and chemotherapy.

The most effective treatment for early liver cancer is surgery, during which part of the affected organ is removed. If the tumor is large or diffusely located, the option of complete removal of the liver with further transplantation is considered.

If it is impossible to carry out radical surgical intervention, laser thermotherapy, cryoablation, radiofrequency thermoablation, radiosurgical methods (cyberknife) are also used. Modern methods of treating liver cancer also include chemo- and radioembolization, with the help of which substances that destroy the structure of cancer cells are injected directly into the tumor. The methods are minimally invasive, since access to the tumor is carried out using a catheter, and the entire procedure is monitored using X-ray machines.

You can find out the answers to all your questions regarding the treatment of liver cancer in the Dobrobut network of clinics in Kyiv: price, terms, conditions, risks, etc., as well as sign up for a consultation with a specialist, you can call our call center or on the website.