Track 4: Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a disease that occurs when cells in the liver grow out of control. It can be primary, meaning the cancer starts in the liver, or secondary, meaning the cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body. 

Types of liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

The most common type of primary liver cancer in adults. It starts in the hepatocytes, the main cells in the liver. 

Cholangiocarcinoma

Also known as bile duct cancer, this type of cancer starts in the bile ducts that connect the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. 

Angiosarcoma

A rare type of liver cancer that starts in the blood vessels. It's also known as haemangiosarcoma. 

Symptoms 

Pain in the upper right abdomen or right shoulder

Feeling sick or vomiting

Loss of appetite

Unintentional weight loss

Weakness and fatigue

Swelling in the abdomen

Jaundice, which causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow

White, chalky stools

Risk factors 

Diabetes

Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption

Treatment 

For early-stage cancer, treatments may be available to remove or destroy the cancer.

For more advanced cases, chemotherapy may be used to slow the spread of the cancer and relieve symptoms.