Liver cancer

Overview

Liver cancer refers to liver cell carcinoma as well as the more common liver metastases (separate chapter). Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause by far of liver cell carcinoma. Symptoms such as pressure and pressure pain in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite and weight loss tend only to appear at a later stage. These symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.

Symptoms

• Early symptoms
  • For a long time during the early stage, no typical symptoms
  • Pressure/pressure pain in the upper abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Lack of appetite, weight loss
• Late symptoms
  • Increase in abdominal girth owing to build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Yellow discolouration of skin (icterus)
  • Palpable knotty changes

Causes and treatment

Causes

Primary liver carcinoma (hepatocellular carcinoma)

• Liver cirrhosis
  • Main cause (80% of liver carcinomas)
  • Reasons: alcohol, hepatitis viruses
• Independent of liver cirrhosis
  • Chronic hepatitis B
  • Fatty liver disease (obesity, type II diabetes)

Liver metastases (see main chapter)

• More commonly as primary liver cell carcinoma
• Metastases of other malignant tumours
  • Bowel, stomach, lung, breast, uterine cancer or melanoma

Examination

• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Imaging tests
  • Ultrasound (sonography)
  • CT scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Therapy

• Operation
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Liver transplant
• Local destruction of cancer cells
  • Heat (high frequency current)
  • Injection of chemotherapeutic agents or ethanol directly into the tumour
  • Blocking of the artery that feeds the tumour (chemoembolisation)

What can I do myself?

• Measures to prevent hepatitis and liver cirrhosis generally also apply
• Lose weight (only if overweight)
• Alcohol
  • Use in moderation
  • Start withdrawal to counter addictive behaviour
• Vaccination against hepatitis B
• Don’t share needles (drug addicts)
• Stop smoking

When to see a doctor?

• Upper abdomen symptoms
  • Persistent pressure or dull pain
  • Palpable knotty changes
• Jaundice
• Increase in abdominal girth in spite of lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Alcoholism
• For diagnosed liver cirrhosis: regular examinations to ensure early identification of a liver tumour (ultrasound)

Further information

Swiss Cancer League (Schweizerische Krebsliga)
www.krebsliga.ch

Selbsthilfe Schweiz (Self-Help Support Switzerland)
www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch

Synonyms

liver cancer, liver cell cancer, liver carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, primary liver cell carcinoma, liver cell carcinoma