The liver is the largest organ in the human body. Located in the upper right abdominal cavity below the ribs, the liver produces bile, a dark yellowish-brown fluid that helps digest vitamins, fats, and other nutrients.
The liver helps to remove toxins and other chemical waste products from the blood and gets the waste ready to be secreted out. The liver also stores nutrients such as glucose to keep the body nourished and functioning.
Liver cancer develops from the abnormal proliferation of the liver cells. Liver cancer also destroys healthy liver cells and can impede normal liver function.
Liver cancer can generally be grouped into:
Liver cancer is the eighth most prevalent cancer in Malaysia and is one of the causes of premature deaths in the country.
In 2020, 2149 new cases of liver cancer were reported in Malaysia, comprising 4.4% of all cancers reported in the country that year.
Below conditions have been known to cause of liver cancer:
However, liver cancer may also develop without a clear cause.
Some of the risk factors that may increase the risk of liver cancer are:
Symptoms may not be immediately apparent at the initial stages of liver cancer. Signs and symptoms will become more evident as the disease progresses. Some of the symptoms include:
Anyone who experiences the symptoms of liver cancer should immediately consult an oncologist. A few tests would be performed to rule out cancer, including:
Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose liver cancer.
Liver cancer can be treated in different ways:
Learn more about the different types of treatment technologies to treat liver cancer.
The below measures can be taken to help keep the liver healthy:
Liver cancer screening is recommended for those with risk factors, such as hepatitis B/C infection or liver cirrhosis. The screening includes a blood test and an ultrasound examination twice a year.
Early detection of liver cancer makes it easier to treat the disease with effective and appropriate treatment. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists and oncologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about liver cancer treatment options.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.