Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. Your liver is a football-sized organ that sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen, beneath your diaphragm and above your stomach.
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths globally — and although rates of death from most types of cancer are decreasing, liver cancer is a notable exception.
Excessive alcohol consumption and metabolic disorders both lead to hepatocellular carcinoma, but at the root of most cases are viral infections of the liver. Hepatitis B, in particular, has no cure and is responsible for at least half of all hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide.
When someone’s liver is infected with hepatitis B, damage increases over time, as long as the virus is active. The liver tissue thickens and forms scars (fibrosis), advancing to severe scarring called cirrhosis. In approximately one-third of people with hepatitis B infection, this then progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma, as the viral DNA inserts itself into liver cells, changing their function and allowing tumours to grow.
Liver cancer and hepatitis B share some similar symptoms, such as jaundice, unexplained fatigue, and loss of appetite. Get medical attention if you notice symptoms such as:
- abdominal swelling
- pain or discomfort or a noticeable lump located beneath your right rib cage
- pain along your right shoulder blade or in your back
- unexplained weight loss
- skin or eyes that look yellow
- easy bruising or bleeding
Liver cancer is one complication that may develop from chronic hepatitis B. This happens because of severe scarring in the liver from long-term infection, which can increase the risk of developing cancerous tumors.
The earlier hepatitis B is detected, the better the outcome in terms of both HBV and liver cancer. Additionally, if you do test positive for hepatitis B, a doctor will want to monitor your liver for any potential complications.
