Diagnosing The Causes Of Liver Cancer?

Answer 1

The exact cause of primary liver cancer remains unclear. Cancer in the liver occurs when the organ's cells mutate to such a degree than rapid division of identical cells begins. Over time these cells grow into a tumor, the liver functions begin to deteriorate and the entire body is affected in a negative manner. Medical experts have linked chronic hepatitis to the development of liver cancer cells, but much more study is needed to explain this relationship.

Development of Primary Liver Cancer

Several different categories of liver cancer have been classified by the medical community. These are divided according to the location and type of cells that become cancerous. A hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of the disease. Hepatocytes are the cells making up the main tissue of the liver. Bile ducts are sometimes mutated, forming small tumors. This is known as cholangiocarcinoma. Liver cancer can also develop in the blood vessels supplying nutrients to the organ. This type of cancer is called angiosarcoma. Infants and toddlers sometimes become afflicted with a certain type of cancerous growth in the liver. This is called hepatoblastoma and its cause is unknown.

Risk Factors For Liver Cancer

Although reasons for the mutation of liver cells remains somewhat of a mystery there is a mound of evidence pointing to certain risk factors. Age is one of the primary factors where liver cancer is concerned. In most of the developed nations the disease is very rare in individuals under the age of 45. Also males are more likely to develop liver cancer than females. Genetics may also play a role in the likelihood of scar tissue development in the liver. Known as cirrhosis, this condition is irreversible and often leads to primary liver cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to liver cells. Over a period of many years the cells will begin to undergo mutations and a malignant growth is possible.

Aflatoxins Exposure

This has become a widely discussed topic in recent years. Evidence has shown that these toxins, present in certain fungi contained in corn, peanuts and other crops can lead to serious liver damage. Many countries now require treatment of food crops to reduce levels of aflatoxins. Regular testing of food samples is required in the United States.

Other health problems such as Diabetes can also increase the chances of primary liver cancer. Excessive buildup of fatty acids in the liver is also noted as a risk factor for the disease.