Causes of Liver Cancer
April 29, 2009
The liver is one of the most important internal organs of the human body. It is located on the right-hand side of the upper abdomen.
The liver removes all sorts of toxins from the body and helps to produce enzymes. Enzymes help in digestion.
The liver can be infected by two kinds of cancer — primary and metastatic. Primary liver cancer takes place within the cells that form the liver itself. People who have hepatitis B, hepatitis C and cirrhosis are prone to this disease. Metastatic cancer, on the other hand, starts on other parts of the body and gradually spreads all over the body. This disease is more common in the United States.
Unfortunately doctors have not yet determined what factors cause this disease. But what they have found are some risk factors that can trigger this fatal disease.
As previously mentioned, people who have hepatitis B or C are prone to this kind of cancer. Hepatitis B or C can be transmitted through blood or sexual contact. If a woman is infected by any of these viruses, chances are her baby can be infected as well. It is best to have a blood test to determine whether one is infected or not. Without a blood test it is nearly impossible to know whether someone has hepatitis B or C.
Liver cirrhosis can also cause liver cancer, but the chances are very low. Some factors that contribute to cirrhosis are consuming too much alcohol, using particular chemicals or drugs, or viral infections. Even though people suffering from cirrhosis are less likely to develop liver cancer, it is better to be careful.
People who are above the age of 60 are more likely to suffer from liver cancer. If you are a smoker, then it is time to quit as smoking increases the chances of developing liver cancer as well.
Liver cancer is a disease that runs in the family. If any family member has this problem then there is a higher probability that other family members will also have this problem.
Men are more prone to this disease than women. There are certain symptoms that will help you identify whether you are infected or not. First of all, the infected individual might feel pain on their upper abdomen which can reach up to the shoulders. The patient will also lose their appetite. Another symptom is a drastic weight loss, along with feelings of fatigue and dark colored urine.
In order to be safe, it is better to have a hepatitis B vaccination. Ask your doctor about this matter and get your vaccine.
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