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What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, and it’s estimated that only about 1% of Americans will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. However, for the people it does affect, it’s a serious and life-threatening illness, mainly because it can easily and quickly spread to other major organs.
Liver cancer is classified into two types: cancer that originates in the liver tissue (hepatocellular carcinoma) and cancer that originates in the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer, although cancer that originates in the liver (called primary liver cancer) is still less common than cancer that metastasizes to the liver or spreads from another area of the body. Primary liver cancer is one of the fastest-growing types of cancer in the United States and requires prompt treatment to avoid complications.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Liver cancer does not typically produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That means you may have liver cancer without knowing it. However, as it progresses, you may begin to notice the following:
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Dark-colored urine
- A noticeable lump below the rib cage
- Pain on the right side of the abdomen or right shoulder
Liver cancer has a variety of risk factors. Hepatitis infections such as HBV or HCV can increase your risk of liver cancer, along with cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, or hemochromatosis are also associated with liver cancer. Finally, excessive alcohol consumption or the use of certain medications can cause irreversible liver damage that can lead to cancer.
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Liver cancer is often not diagnosed until it has progressed past its early stages. Your regular physician may suspect you have liver cancer based on a physical examination. If this is the case, blood tests may be able to check liver functioning. An ultrasound, CT scan, or biopsy may be used to confirm the presence of cancer. Once our team has the appropriate information to confirm a diagnosis, you will discuss your next steps.
Liver Cancer Treatment Options
Two of the standard treatment options for liver cancer include surgically removing part of the liver and liver transplantation. However, these aren’t the best options for every patient. At South Florida Vascular Associates, we offer minimally invasive procedures such as percutaneous ablation, which uses a small probe inserted through the skin to heat up and kill the tumor. Chemoembolization and radioembolization are advanced, state-of-the-art treatments that can deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumor, sometimes in combination with other forms of cancer treatment. All three options can be performed as outpatient procedures at our spa-like office. Our interventional oncology team will help you select the best option for your preferences and needs.
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A liver cancer diagnosis can be a significant emotional event. At South Florida Vascular Associates, we’re equipped to help you achieve the best outlook for your health. Contact our Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation, FL locations today for a consultation.