Liver cancer occurs from the abnormal growth of liver cells. The liver is a vital organ in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are the different types of liver cancer. Among these types, hepatocellular carcinoma, which occurs in the hepatocyte cells, is the most common. Signs and symptoms of liver cancer include appetite loss, unexplained weight loss, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, jaundice, and abdominal swelling. A healthcare provider recommends diagnostic tests based on these symptoms. Early liver cancer diagnosis often allows for more treatment options.
Diagnosis of liver cancer
Liver cancer diagnosis requires various types of tests and procedures. A health insurance plan usually covers the costs related to the diagnostic tests.
- Blood tests: Liver function tests help assess liver function abnormalities, such as by determining the alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, bilirubin, and globulin levels.
- Imaging tests: To confirm any liver abnormalities, the imaging tests conducted include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerised tomography (CT).
- Liver biopsy: Any abnormality found during the imaging scans needs confirmation. In such a backdrop, conducting a biopsy of the tissue sample removed from the abnormal liver area is essential. The doctor makes a small cut on the neck and a small hole in the jugular vein with a needle. A thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, is inserted through the veins to the liver. A biopsy needle is then threaded through the catheter and into the liver to take a tissue sample. The tissue sample is taken to the laboratory to determine the presence of cancerous cells.
- Staging of liver cancer: Once it is confirmed, it becomes crucial to decide on the stage. Staging helps in determining the location and metastasis of the liver cancer. The Roman numerals I to IV or the letters A to D are used to stage the condition. The doctor decides the treatment modalities based on the stage of the disease.
Conclusion
Early detection of liver cancer is vital. Healthcare providers usually recommend blood tests and imaging scans such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT to help detect the condition. When abnormalities surface, the doctor usually recommends a tissue biopsy. Staging the condition using Roman numerals or letters of the alphabet helps determine the cancer's extent and guide treatment decisions. Prompt diagnosis and accurate staging are crucial for tailoring treatment and improving outcomes. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for at-risk patients, as these procedures help detect liver cancer early and prevent its spread.