Liver tumours, also known as hepatic tumours, are abnormal growths that form in the cells of the liver, an organ that performs many critical functions in the body such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
Liver tumours can be classified into benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours. Benign liver tumours are less serious and include hemangiomas, hepatic adenomas, and focal nodular hyperplasias. They typically don’t spread to other parts of the body and most of them don’t cause symptoms.
Malignant liver tumours, on the other hand, are serious as they can spread to other parts of the body. The primary types of malignant liver tumours include Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), and Hepatoblastoma, which typically occurs in children.
Risk factors for liver tumours include chronic infection with hepatitis viruses (hepatitis B and hepatitis C), cirrhosis, certain inherited liver diseases, diabetes, obesity, exposure to certain chemicals, and excessive alcohol consumption. Treatment methods for liver tumours vary based on the type, size, and location of the tumour, and the overall health of the patient. They may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or liver transplant.
Causes of Liver tumours
Liver tumors are growths of abnormal cells in your liver. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) liver tumors can occur. The causes vary based on the type of tumor.
1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common form of liver cancer that originates from hepatocytes, the main cell type in the liver. Chronic viral hepatitis (from Hepatitis B and C) along with alcohol abuse are the main causes. Other risk factors include liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Liver Metastases: These tumors in the liver have spread from cancer elsewhere in your body, most commonly from colorectal cancer, lung, breast, or pancreatic cancers. The cause is the original (primary) cancer.
3. Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): This type of liver cancer starts in the small, tube-like bile ducts in the liver. Chronic liver inflammation, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), liver fluke infections (a parasite common in Asia), and specific genetic conditions increase the risk.
4. Hepatic Adenoma: It’s a benign liver tumor, more likely to occur in women who take oral contraceptives. It may also be caused by certain medical conditions such as glycogen storage diseases.
5. Hemangioma: It’s the most common type of benign liver tumor, made up of a tangle of blood vessels. The exact cause is unclear, but it seems to be congenital (present at birth).
6. Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH): Another benign liver tumor, typically asymptomatic. Causes are not well-understood but these tumors have been associated with oral contraceptive use.
Please, always consult your doctor for a medical diagnosis as symptoms may vary based on the size of the tumor and type of liver disease.
Risk Factors of Liver tumours
1. Chronic Hepatitis: Chronic infections primarily caused by Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can significantly increase the risk of developing liver tumours.
2. Cirrhosis: A long-term liver damage resulting in liver cirrhosis can elevate the risk of liver cancer.
3. Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption over time can cause cirrhosis which increases risk of liver tumours.
4. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver increasing the chances for liver tumours.
5. Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Both conditions are linked with a higher chance of getting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and subsequently increase risk of liver tumours.
6. Exposure to Aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are a carcinogenic fungus often found in improperly stored crops could increase the risk of liver tumours.
7. Hemochromatosis: An inherited condition resulting in iron accumulation in the body including liver, can lead to liver tumours.
8. Certain inherited liver diseases: Diseases like Wilson’s disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency aid in liver damage and thus may increase the risk of liver tumours.
9. Gender: Men are more likely to develop liver cancer than women.
10. Age: The risk of liver cancer increases with age but it can occur at any age.
Remember, having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about these risks.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver tumours
Liver tumours, particularly in the early stages, may not cause any symptoms. However, as the tumour grows, it can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including:
1. Loss of appetite: An individual might lose the desire to eat, even their favorite food, resulting in weight loss.
2. Feeling full after a small meal: Even after a small meal, one might feel unusually full, also known as early satiety.
3. Weight loss: Unexplained and sudden weight loss can be a sign of liver tumour.
4. Nausea and vomiting: These can be general symptoms of liver cancer.
5. Pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade: Persistent pain in these areas could be a result of a liver tumour.
6. Swelling or bloating in the abdomen: This could be caused by a large tumour or fluid build-up due to liver dysfunction.
7. Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the liver’s inability to process bilirubin. This could be a sign that a tumor is present in the liver.
8. Itchy skin: Increased bilirubin level in the blood could cause this symptom.
9. Pale, chalky stools and dark urine: These are other signs that there might be a blockage in the liver or bile duct.
10. Fatigue and weakness: Generalized feelings of fatigue and weakness may also be signs of liver cancer.
These symptoms could also be caused by conditions other than liver tumours, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Any unusual or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Diagnosis Liver tumours
Liver tumours refer to abnormal mass or growth of cells in the liver. These tumours are categorized into benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Liver tumours can be primary, meaning they originated in the liver, or secondary/metastatic, which means they spread to the liver from a cancer elsewhere in the body.
Primary liver tumour types include:
1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most common type of liver cancer, it begins in the main type of liver cell (hepatocyte).
2. Cholangiocarcinoma: These start in the small, tube-like bile ducts within the liver.
3. Liver Angiosarcoma: A rare form of liver cancer that begins in the blood vessels of the liver.
4. Hepatoblastoma: It’s extremely rare and is mostly found in children.
Diagnosis involves various steps:
Physical exam: Doctors check for any physical changes, like lumps or swelling in the liver.
Blood tests: Increase in liver enzymes could hint at liver damage.
Imaging studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI can help detect liver tumours.
Biopsy: A small sample of the liver tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer.
Symptoms of liver tumours may include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, bloating, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), and white or chalky stools. Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or liver transplantation depending on the type and stage of the tumour, and the patient’s overall health. Please note that it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment of Liver tumours
Treatment for liver tumours depends on the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the liver, and the person’s overall health. Here are some treatment options:
1. Surgery: This is often the first option for liver cancer if the tumour is small and the liver is reasonably healthy. There are two types of surgery:
a. Hepatectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon will remove the part of the liver where the tumour is located. The remaining healthy part should still function properly.
b. Liver Transplant: If the tumour is small and confined to the liver, then a whole liver transplant might be an option for people with significant cirrhosis or other liver diseases.
2. Localised Treatments: These are treatments that target only the cancer cells in the liver, sparing the rest of the liver. They include:
a. Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses high-energy radio waves to heat the tumour and destroy cancer cells.
b. Microwave Ablation: Uses microwave energy to destroy the tumour.
c. Alcohol Injection: Involves injecting alcohol directly into the tumour to kill the cancer cells.
d. Chemoembolization: The blood supply to the tumour is blocked (embolization), and chemotherapy drugs are then injected to the tumour.
e. Radiation therapy: High-powered energy beams are used to kill the cancer cells.
3. Systematic Treatments: These treatments affect the whole body. They include:
a. Targeted Drug Therapy: This treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells.
b. Immunotherapy: This approach uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It works by stimulating your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
c. Chemotherapy: Utilizes powerful chemicals to kill rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells.
Again, treatment plans are highly individual and based on many factors, such as the size and location of the tumour, how well the liver is functioning, and the patient’s overall health status. Always consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment options.
Medications commonly used for Liver tumours
Liver tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous). The treatments largely depend on the stage of the tumor, and it’s spread. However, some of the most commonly used medications used for malignant liver tumors are:
1. Sorafenib (Nexavar): This drug stops tumor cells from dividing and may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is normally used when the cancer is in an advanced stage or following surgical treatments.
2. Lenvatinib (Lenvima): This is also an option for treatment of advanced HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma), the most common type of liver cancer.
3. Regorafenib (Stivarga): Used for HCC treatment if sorafenib therapy is no longer effective.
4. Cabozantinib (Cabometyx): It is used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who have been previously treated with sorafenib.
5. Ramucirumab (Cyramza): Usually given if your cancer progresses after having sorafenib.
6. Nivolumab (Opdivo) or Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): These medications are of the “immunotherapy” class, aiming to stimulate the immune system to fight against tumor cells.
7. Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and Bevacizumab (Avastin): Given together to patients with HCC who are not candidates for surgery.
Remember, the use of these medications depends largely on the type, stage, and progression of the liver tumor, as well as individual patient factors such as overall health and capacity to tolerate certain treatments. Always consult with the treating physician or cancer specialist for the most appropriate treatment options.
Prevention of Liver tumours
Liver tumours can be prevented by implementing effective lifestyle changes and regularly checking one’s health. Here are several prevention methods:
1. Healthy Diet: Consuming a well-balanced diet, full of fruits and vegetables, can go a long way in preventing liver tumours. Limiting processed foods and red meat may also help reduce the risk.
2. Regular Physical Activity: Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight decreases the risk of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, two conditions which can increase the risk of liver tumours.
3. Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Heavy drinking can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is important to drink in moderation if you do choose to drink. Moreover, avoiding tobacco also lowers these risks.
4. Avoid Direct Contact with Toxins: Certain industrial chemicals and environmental toxins can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver tumours. Take appropriate safety measures if you’re exposed to these elements during work.
5. Vaccination: Hepatitis B and C are leading causes of liver cancer. Getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of developing these infections, in turn reducing liver cancer risk.
6. Regular Screening: Regular screenings and check-ups ensure early detection, particularly if you have a high risk of liver disease. Detecting and treating liver disease early can prevent it from progressing to liver cancer.
7. Limit Use of Certain Medications: Long-term use of anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives, and certain other medications can dicease the risk of liver tumours. Always discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor.
Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. Regular health checks are important, especially if you have a family history of the disease or are at a high risk.
FAQ’s about Liver tumours
1. What are liver tumours?
Liver tumours, also known as hepatic tumours, are abnormal growths that occur in the liver. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common type of malignant liver tumour is hepatocellular carcinoma.
2. What are the symptoms of liver tumours?
Symptoms of liver tumours can vary greatly among different people. They could include abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and general feeling of weakness or fatigue.
3. What causes liver tumours?
The exact cause of most liver tumours is not known. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing them, including chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, heavy alcohol use, and diseases that lead to cirrhosis of the liver such as fatty liver disease.
4. How are liver tumours diagnosed?
The diagnosis of liver tumours usually involves imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. A biopsy, where a doctor removes a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope, might also be done to confirm the diagnosis.
5. What are the treatment options for liver tumours?
Treatment options for liver tumours depend on several factors including the type of tumour, its size and location, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment could include surgery to remove the tumour, liver transplant, ablation therapy (using heat or cold to destroy the tumour), chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy among others.
6. Can liver tumours be prevented?
Although there’s no certain way to prevent liver tumours, minimizing risk factors can reduce the risk. These include avoiding and treating hepatitis infections, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing diseases leading to cirrhosis.
7. Are liver tumours life threatening?
Malignant (cancerous) liver tumours can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Early stage liver cancer might not show any symptoms and can be hard to detect, emphasizing the importance of regular health checks in at-risk individuals.
8. Are liver tumours common?
Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The incidence rate is higher in developing countries and among people with chronic liver disease or those exposed to hepatitis B or C.
9. Is there a cure for liver tumours?
The possibility of a cure depends on many factors such as the type, size, and location of the tumour, as well as the stage of the disease. Early detection often increases the chance of successful treatment, emphasizing the importance of regular health checks in high-risk individuals.
Remember, this information is general in nature, and specific health concerns should always be discussed with healthcare professionals.
Useful links
Liver tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Most malignant liver tumors are secondary, i.e., they spread from another organ. The liver, being a large organ with multiple functions, is particularly prone to multiple diseases, including tumors.
Here are a few useful links from medical journals that provide in-depth studies, findings and updates on liver tumors:
Remember to consult a medical professional for the understanding of these resources and accurate diagnosis, don’t self-diagnose or treat.
Complications of Liver tumours
Liver tumours, whether benign or malignant, can lead to several complications. Here are a few of them:
1. Liver Failure: The most severe complication is liver failure. As the tumour progresses, it can damage healthy liver tissue and interfere with the liver’s ability to function normally. This is a critical issue, as the liver performs numerous essential functions, like the detoxification of harmful substances, digestion of fat, and the production of vital proteins.
2. Portal Hypertension: Large tumours or numerous small ones can block the liver’s blood flow, causing high blood pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension). This can lead to varices (enlarged blood vessels), particularly in the stomach and oesophagus, which can rupture causing severe bleeding.
3. Ascites: People with liver tumours often experience fluid buildup in the abdomen, known as ascites. This can cause pain, nausea, and breathlessness.
4. Jaundice: The blockage of the liver’s capability to filter and decompose bilirubin can lead to jaundice, a condition known for symptoms like yellow skin and eye discoloration, dark urine, and pale stools.
5. Malnutrition: Liver tumours can decrease appetite and make it difficult for the body to process nutrients from food, leading to severe weight loss and malnutrition.
6. Metastasis: If the tumour is cancerous (hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma), it might spread to other body parts or organs like the lungs, pancreas, or the colon – a condition known as metastasis.
7. Pain and Discomfort: As the tumour grows, it might exert pressure on the surrounding organs and tissues, causing pain and discomfort.
8. Blood Clots: Liver cancer increases the risk of blood clots in large veins of the liver or other parts of the body.
Please note that the specific symptoms and complications depend on the type, size, and location of the tumour, along with the person’s overall medical status.
Home remedies of Liver tumours
Dealing with liver tumours is a very serious condition that requires professional medical treatment. It’s crucial to consult with your doctor or a medical specialist if you have concerns about liver tumours. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are all potential treatments for liver tumors.
However, living a healthy lifestyle can support the effectiveness of medical treatments and improve overall liver health. Home “remedies” mainly tend to focus on these principles:
1. Healthy Diet: Consuming foods and drinks that are good for liver health, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and grains. Avoid alcohol and limit the consumption of fatty, fried and processed foods.
2. Regular Exercise: Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, which is beneficial for liver health. Obesity can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, and increase the risks of liver cancer.
3. Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including liver health.
4. Limit Alcohol and Avoid Illicit Substances: Too much alcohol can damage the liver, and illicit substances can lead to liver damage and increase liver cancer risks.
5. Do Not Smoke: Smoking can lead to liver cancer. If you smoke, seek help to quit.
6. Limit Exposure to Toxins: Try to limit exposure to toxins that can injure liver cells.
7. Using certain herbs and supplements, like milk thistle, turmeric, and green tea, might have liver-protecting effects, however, talk to your healthcare provider before starting these or any supplements.
8. Regular Check-ups: Regular screening and medical check-ups can help in early detection and treatment of liver diseases before they become severe or malignant.
Remember, these practices, while beneficial for health, cannot replace the need for professional medical treatment in case of serious conditions like liver tumours. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.