Liver cancer is a malignant type of formation that occurs in the cells of the organ of the same name and its structures. At the same time, the symptoms have some peculiarities and appear due to the action of such reasons as the disease of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, as well as due to excessive consumption of foods containing excessive amounts of aflatoxin.
General information
Statistics say that such cancer is found in women several times less than in representatives of the opposite sex. And the patient's age generally exceeds the mark of 40 years. In children, this disease is much less common.
It is important to know the types, development factors, symptoms and methods of treating such a dangerous malignant disease as liver cancer. How long to live with such a disease, how to avoid it - all these questions concern not only the patient, but also the healthy person.
There are two types of ailment:
The primary species originates from the cells that make up the structure of the organ itself. More often, secondary liver cancer is detected . How much to live with this form? Experts conduct numerous studies, but the conclusions are disappointing.
In the secondary form, proliferation of already existing tumor metastases proceeds, which are based on malignant cells affected by the disease, therefore this form most often leads to death.
Liver Cancer Factors
There are certain reasons that increase the possibility of the formation of liver cancer:
- 50 years of age and older;
- the male sex is more at risk for liver cancer ;
- viral hepatitis (chronic, often B and C);
- cirrhosis;
- smoking, alcohol;
- the use of contraceptives (in this case, birth control pills);
- the use of painkillers.
Symptoms of the formation of liver cancer
The first signs of liver cancer include:
- constipation
- vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite;
- sharp weight loss;
- weakness.
Symptoms of liver cancer include:
- swelling in the liver;
- pain in the right hypochondrium;
- itching, yellowing of the skin, the appearance of spider veins;
- intraperitoneal bleeding;
- endocrine system disorders.
Diagnostics
A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of general complaints of the patient, examination of the patient, percussion and palpation of the liver, as well as the availability of available laboratory tests. In addition, ultrasound scanning is also of great importance, and in controversial cases, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance.
Examination with laparoscopy allows an external examination, and if changes occur on the surface, material is collected for histological analysis. There is also a method for checking the presence of a malignant tumor, such as hepatography.
Liver Cancer Healing
Today, liver cancer is considered one of the most complex diseases.
When treatment involves surgery, you need to know the following:
- if the size of the tumor site is small, it is usually removed to prevent subsequent growth to other organs and lymph nodes;
- tumor destruction is carried out by embolization;
- do liver transplantation;
- dieting is important.
Life expectancy in the presence of disease
How many live with liver cancer? This issue, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly relevant for the population. Diagnosis of the disease at an early stage, as a rule, gives positive results. When conducting surgery as early as possible, there is a chance to save the patient's life. Moreover, this will provide an opportunity to live at least five years.
And yet, how many live with liver cancer? There is no exact answer to this question, because the life expectancy for this disease depends on such reasons as the severity of the course and its stage, the age of the patient.
One of the most dangerous diseases, which occupies the 3rd place among all malignant ailments, is liver cancer. How much life will be for a patient suffering from this terrible scourge is unknown. Most often, the ailment is amenable only to surgical intervention. But, in addition to this, there are methods of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Even the most experienced specialists studying a disease such as liver cancer cannot unambiguously answer all questions. How much the patient has to live will largely depend not only on the above reasons, but also on his psychological attitude. After all, a miracle always happens with someone who sincerely believes in it. Sometimes only the care and attention of loved ones can give the patient strength, patience and hope for a good outcome.
How to prevent liver cancer?
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
- Exclude alcohol.
- Do not take iron preparations without consulting a specialist.
The prognosis of recovery and survival in this disease is completely unfavorable. Along with other ailments, one of the most serious is liver cancer. How long to live, what prognoses and treatment methods are important questions. But, despite everything, you must be able to tune yourself for the best and not give up. Every year, specialists in this field come up with new methods of treatment, and people sincerely believe that someday they will surely invent one that will help to easily defeat this terrible disease.