Liver Cancer

Cancer that begins in the liver is referred to as liver cancer, primary hepatic cancer, or primary hepatic malignancy. There are two types of liver cancer: primary (starts in liver) and secondary (meaning cancer which has spread from elsewhere to the liver, known as liver metastasis). More frequently than liver metastasis, it occurs in the liver. Globally, liver cancer is rising.

Globally, primary liver cancer is the sixth-most common kind of cancer and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality. It affected 841,000 individuals in 2018 and killed 782,000 people worldwide. Where hepatitis B and C are prevalent, particularly Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, liver cancer rates are higher.Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affects males more frequently than females. Most diagnoses occur in people between the ages of 55 and 65.

Cirrhosis brought on by alcohol, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C is the main contributor to liver cancer. Aflatoxin, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver flukes are further reasons. HCC, which accounts for 80% of cases, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are the most prevalent kinds. Blood testing, medical imaging, and tissue biopsies may help to confirm the diagnosis.