In the United States, nearly 25% of patients with liver cancer show evidence of HBV infection.
Hepatitis infections, particularly chronic infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), are significant risk factors for the development of liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis infections can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver over time, increasing the likelihood of liver cancer. The relationship between hepatitis and liver cancer is well-established: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Chronic infection with HBV is a major risk factor for liver cancer. Individuals with chronic HBV infection have a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis, which can progress to liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccination is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of HBV-related liver cancer. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Chronic infection with HCV is another significant risk factor for liver cancer. Similar to HBV, chronic HCV infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and increase the risk of liver cancer. Antiviral medications are available to treat chronic HCV infection and may reduce the risk of liver cancer in some cases. The prevalence of hepatitis infection in liver cancer patients can vary depending on geographic regions, as the prevalence of hepatitis infections is not uniform worldwide. In areas with high rates of hepatitis infections, a substantial proportion of liver cancer cases may be attributed to chronic hepatitis.
The liver is usually swollen and hard in patients with liver cancer; it may be sore when the doctor presses on it. In some cases, the patient's spleen is also enlarged.
Between 50% and 75% of primary liver cancer patients have abnormally high blood serum levels of a particular protein (alpha-fetoprotein or AFP).
The tumor may block the ducts of the liver or the gall bladder, leading to jaundice.
Harmed by a particular thing: patients with liver disease may be susceptible to infection.
Unfortunately, only about 5% of patients with metastatic cancer (from primary tumors in the colon or rectum) fall into this group.
Some patients develop a collection of fluid, known as ascites, in the abdominal cavity.
For advanced stages of liver cancer, the only treatment available is through a liver transplant. This is only effective if the cancer had not yet spread to the other parts of your body, however.
In liver cancer patients, the doctor may be able to hear an abnormal sound (bruit) or rubbing noise if he uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood vessels that lie near the liver.
Progressive hepatitis (mostly due to virus infection) accounts for more than a third of the patients who need a liver transplantation.
Progressive hepatitis (mostly due to virus infection) accounts for more than a third of the patients who need a liver transplantation.
Both Hepatitis B and C fit this description.