Liver cancer: cancer of the digestive system

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a serious and potentially deadly disease that begins in the digestive system. You can be at risk for this type of cancer if you have a chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis of the liver, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, or exposure to certain toxins or chemicals. Additionally, having a family history of liver cancer or certain inherited conditions such as hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease can increase your risk. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). To diagnose this type of cancer imaging tests such as an ultrasound CT scan or MRI may be used in combination with a biopsy. Treatment options depend on the stage and location of cancer; they may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or even a liver transplant in some cases. The prognosis depends on how advanced the cancer is when diagnosed; if caught early it can have a five-year survival rate of 31%, while if it has already spread to other parts of the body it drops to 11%. To prevent this type of cancer it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid heavy alcohol consumption, and get vaccinated for hepatitis B. If you have any symptoms or risk factors for liver cancer it's important to talk to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.