A person may develop cancer of the liver if it begins in a blood vessel. While it is less common than other types of liver cancer, it can also be deadly. This condition affects people over the age of 70. In most cases, liver cancer is a secondary cancer, meaning it started somewhere else in the body and spread to the liver. In this case, the cancer spreads to the other organs, including the lungs.
The most common type of liver cancer is primary. However, it is also possible to have a secondary cancer, which is called hepatoblastoma. A hepatoblastoma is an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the liver. About 10% of the general population has a hemangioma in their liver. While most people with a hemangioma do not show any symptoms and do not require treatment, some tumors can become enlarging and bleeding and may require surgery.
In most cases, a tumor cannot be removed completely, but some patients may be considered for a liver transplant if they have cirrhosis and other conditions affecting the liver. Liver transplant candidates may be able to receive chemotherapy or an experimental treatment called cisplatin. This procedure requires a patient to be in good overall health, not smoke or drink, and have no liver-related complications. While the waiting period for liver transplants is long, most people with cancer can use other treatments while waiting for a transplant.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can shrink the tumor, and relieve symptoms, but it does not cure liver cancer. Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells and may be used after other treatments have failed to work. Chemoembolisation is used more often for primary liver cancer. Cancer of the liver does not respond to most conventional forms of chemotherapy. A doctor will discuss the options available to you.
Treatment for cancer of the liver may involve a surgical procedure or a local treatment. Local therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can be used to target a specific part of the liver. Localized therapy can help slow the growth of tumors by blocking the blood supply to them. Radioembolization and chemoembolization can also be used as treatment for cancer of the liver. These treatments can be performed with the patient’s input or with the help of their family members.
If liver cancer has spread to the other organs, it may cause changes in the electrolyte levels. This condition also increases the production of certain hormones, including PTHrP. In excess amounts of PTHrP, the body may experience bone pain and urinary stones. Other symptoms of liver cancer may include abdominal pain, bleeding, and psychological changes. Once cancer has spread to the liver, the risk of developing the disease is higher.
Surgery for cancer of the liver may involve removing part of the liver. Surgical treatment for liver cancer may also involve a liver transplant. The procedure depends on the size and position of the tumor and how much healthy liver tissue remains. Remaining liver tissue can heal and grow back to its normal size over a period of months. A liver transplant might also involve two phases, one for cancer of the liver and another for benign neoplasms.
