What are the symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer that can cause a variety of symptoms, although some people with early-stage HCC may not experience any symptoms. Common symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma may include:

1. Abdominal pain or discomfort: Pain or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, especially in the upper right side where the liver is located.
2. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin in the body, which is a waste product normally processed by the liver.
3. Unexplained weight loss: Significant and unintentional weight loss may occur in people with HCC.
4. Loss of appetite: A decreased desire to eat, which may contribute to weight loss.
5. Nausea and vomiting: Some people with HCC may experience nausea and vomiting.
6. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, which can be a symptom of advanced liver disease.
7. Enlarged liver or spleen: The liver or spleen may become enlarged due to the presence of a tumor.
8. Ascites: Buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort.
9. Easy bruising or bleeding: Liver cancer can affect the production of clotting factors, leading to easy bruising or bleeding.
10. Portal hypertension: Increased pressure in the portal vein, which can lead to complications such as varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach) and ascites.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma can improve outcomes, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you have any concerns.

What are the causes of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is primarily caused by liver damage and cirrhosis, which can result from a variety of factors. The most common causes and risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include:

1. Chronic viral hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major risk factor for HCC. These viruses can cause long-term liver inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and an increased risk of liver cancer.
2. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes severely scarred, usually as a result of long-term liver damage from conditions such as chronic hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cirrhosis is the most significant risk factor for HCC.
3. Alcohol abuse: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and cirrhosis, increasing the risk of HCC.
4. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): These conditions are characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation and cirrhosis, increasing the risk of HCC.
5. Hemochromatosis: This is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to iron overload in the liver and other organs. Over time, this can cause liver damage and increase the risk of HCC.
6. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the bile ducts in the liver, leading to liver damage and an increased risk of HCC.
7. Aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain molds that can contaminate food, particularly grains and nuts. Chronic exposure to aflatoxins is a risk factor for HCC, especially in regions where food contamination is common.
8. Other factors: Other factors that may increase the risk of HCC include exposure to certain chemicals (such as vinyl chloride), smoking, obesity, and certain inherited metabolic disorders.

It’s important to note that not everyone with these risk factors will develop HCC, and other factors may also contribute to the development of liver cancer. Regular screening and early detection are important for individuals at increased risk of HCC.

What is the treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma?

The treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the underlying cause of the liver disease. Treatment options for HCC may include:

1. Surgery: Surgical options for HCC include removing the tumor (partial hepatectomy) or, in some cases, a liver transplant for patients with early-stage disease and good liver function.
2. Ablation therapy: This involves using heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) to destroy the cancerous tissue. Ablation therapy is often used for small tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
3. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): This procedure involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor, followed by blocking the blood supply to the tumor to starve it of nutrients.
4. Radiation therapy: External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) may be used to target and destroy cancer cells.
5. Targeted therapy: Targeted drugs, such as sorafenib or lenvatinib, may be used to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
6. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs, such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab, may be used to help the immune system fight cancer cells.
7. Chemotherapy: Systemic chemotherapy may be used in some cases, although it is not typically the main treatment for HCC due to the limited effectiveness of traditional chemotherapy drugs against liver cancer.
8. Supportive care: In cases where the cancer is advanced and cannot be cured, supportive care may focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the extent of liver damage, and the overall health of the patient. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists, will work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.