Symptoms and Treatment of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a serious disease that affects the liver or colon. Recognizing early symptoms and starting appropriate treatment are key to improving prognosis. In this article, we will look at the symptoms and treatment methods for liver cancer.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Early diagnosis of liver cancer can be difficult as the early stages usually do not cause specific symptoms. Incidentally, the following signs and symptoms may be an indication that liver cancer has developed:

Stool changes: blood in the stool, changes in stool consistency (such as diarrhea or constipation).
Pain or discomfort: pain or feeling of fullness in or around the liver.
Reduced weight for no apparent reason: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of a liver problem.
Fatigue and weakness: common symptoms that can occur in any disease, but are also characteristic of liver cancer.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

The diagnosis of liver cancer usually includes the following procedures:

Colonoscopy: a procedure in which the doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) to examine the inside of the liver and take a biopsy if necessary.
CT or MRI scan: a study to assess the size of the tumor and determine the possible spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Blood tests: analysis of the blood for markers that may assist in diagnosis.

Stages of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is classified into four stages, which determines the extent of the disease:

Stage I: Disease confined to inside of column.
Stage II: Spread of the cancer to the areas surrounding the column.
Stage III: Adjacent lymph nodes and structures affected.
Stage IV: Metastasis of the cancer to distant organs or tissues.

Treatment of Liver Cancer

Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the disease and other factors:

Surgery: removal of the affected part of the column.
Chemotherapy: administration of drugs that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Radiotherapy: used in combination with other treatments to destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy targets: new and innovative methods that direct the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Prognosis and Subsequent Treatment

The prognosis of liver cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the success of treatment. After completion of the main therapy, additional measures can be taken to maintain health and prevent recurrence.

Liver cancer requires careful diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment. Regular medical checkups and awareness of risk factors can help detect the disease early. It is important for patients to work with their medical teams to determine the most appropriate treatment strategies and monitor health.