Liver Cancer in Panama
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer, also known as liver cancer, is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the liver.
These malignant cells multiply uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Liver cancer can be primary, meaning it starts in the liver itself, or metastatic, when it spreads from another organ to the liver.
Symptoms of liver cancer
Although the symptoms of liver cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease and its progression, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Lack of appetite.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen.
- Feeling full after eating little.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
- Itchy skin.
- Bleeding or bruising easily.
Causes of Liver Cancer
The causes of liver cancer can vary; However, there are some known risk factors that can increase the chances of developing this disease.
The main causes of liver cancer include:
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infection.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Obesity and diabetes.
- Exposure to aflatoxins.
Liver Cancer Diagnostic Process
The liver cancer diagnosis process may include several tests and exams, including:
Imaging tests (abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI):
These are used to obtain detailed images of the liver to determine the size and location of the tumor.
Liver tissue biopsy:
In this test, a sample of liver tissue is removed using a needle for laboratory analysis. Biopsy is the most accurate method of confirming the diagnosis of liver cancer and determining the type and stage of the cancer.
Blood tests:
Blood tests may be done to look for specific tumor markers that may indicate the presence of liver cancer.
Stages of Liver Cancer
The stages of liver cancer can vary slightly depending on the grading system used, but they are generally divided into the following stages:
Stage 0
The cancer is at its earliest stage and is confined to the liver. It has not invaded nearby structures or spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage I
Cancer has formed and may have grown in part of the liver. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage II
The cancer may have grown in one part of the liver or spread to nearby structures such as blood vessels. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage III
Cancer has spread to nearby blood vessels, lymph nodes, or other areas within the abdomen. It may not have spread to other organs.
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (lungs, bones, or brain). At this stage, it is also considered metastatic liver cancer.
Early detection is key to effective treatment!
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roberto Garcia.
- Dr. Roberto García
Liver Cancer Treatments
Common treatment options for liver cancer include:
Surgery
Surgery is used to remove the tumor from the liver. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, liver resection (removal of part of the liver) or liver transplant may be done.
Ablation
Ablation uses heat, cold, or electrical energy to kill cancer cells in the liver. Some methods of ablation include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryotherapy, and microwave therapy.
Embolization
Embolization is a procedure in which the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor are blocked, causing the cancer cells to not receive the blood supply needed to grow. Some embolization techniques used are transarterial embolization (TACE) and transarterial radiopharmaceutical embolization (TARE).
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, it can be given intravenously or in pill form. Chemotherapy is mainly used for liver cancer that is advanced or when there is metastasis in other organs.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses specific drugs to target specific characteristics of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system (previously enhanced through special techniques) to fight cancer.
