The liver
The liver sits below the right lung, just under the ribcage. It is one of the largest organs of the human body and has many essential functions, including removing toxins from the body.The liver is made up mainly of cells called hepatocytes. It also has other types of cells, including cells that line its blood vessels and cells that line small tubes in the liver called bile ducts. The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder or directly to the intestines.Liver breaks down and stores many of the nutrients absorbed from the intestine that your body needs to function.Liver cancer is cancer that occurs in the liver. Some nutrients must be changed (metabolized) in the liver before they can be used for energy or to build and repair body tissues.The different types of cells in the liver can form several types of malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) tumors.
Symptoms and Causes of liver cancer
Many people don’t experience symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. When symptoms do appear, they may include abdominal discomfort, pain, and tenderness,yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, which is called jaundice
white, chalky stools ,nausea ,vomiting ,bruising or bleeding easily.These symptoms are fairly nonspecific and can occur with cancers in other locations as well as some chronic diseases.The exact cause of liver cancer is unknown. There are some risk factors though. These include alcoholism, infection with the hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV), diabetes, scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, and exposures to certain toxins.
Treatment of liver cancer
The diagnosis of liver cancer begins with a medical history and a physical examination. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of long-term alcohol abuse or a chronic hepatitis B or C infection.
Diagnostic tests and procedures for liver cancer include the following:
Liver function tests help your doctor determine the health of your liver by measuring levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood.
The presence of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) in the blood can be a sign of liver cancer. This protein is usually only produced in the liver and yolk sac of babies before they’re born. AFP production normally stops after birth.
Liver biopsyAnother diagnostic test available is a liver biopsy. A liver biopsy involves removing a small piece of liver tissue. It’s always done using anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure.In most cases, a needle biopsy is performed. During this procedure, your doctor will insert a thin needle through your abdomen and into your liver to obtain a tissue sample. The sample is then examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.Looking labs for testing?. Tuhealthy will help you to find a walkin labs near you.
