About Hepatocellular Carcinoma

What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. It is the most common type of primary liver cancer and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC is most commonly caused by chronic infection with the hepatitis B or C virus, cirrhosis, and long-term alcohol abuse. Symptoms of HCC may include abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and a lump in the abdomen. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

What are the symptoms of Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

The most common symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include:

- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Enlarged liver
- White, chalky stools
- Dark urine
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Itching
- Fatigue

What are the causes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

The exact cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

-Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus

-Cirrhosis of the liver
-Excessive alcohol consumption
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Exposure to certain chemicals, such as aflatoxins
-Family history of HCC
-Smoking
-Exposure to certain medications, such as anabolic steroids

What are the treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

1. Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue.

2. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): TACE is a procedure that combines chemotherapy and embolization. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the liver. The catheter delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor.

3. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA is a procedure that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the tumor and radiofrequency energy is used to heat and destroy the cancer cells.

4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of

What are the risk factors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

1. Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus
2. Cirrhosis
3. Alcohol abuse
4. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
5. Diabetes
6. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as aflatoxins
7. Family history of liver cancer
8. Gender (men are more likely to develop HCC than women)
9. Age (risk increases with age)
10. Obesity

Is there a cure/medications for Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

Yes, there are several treatments available for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors, the doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments.