Liver cancer Abu Dhabi

Overview

Our liver is responsible for a lot of vital functions of the body. Getting rid of toxins and harmful substances efficiently and regularly is one of the prime functions of this organ. It should also be noted that the liver is the largest glandular organ of the body as well. It is the liver that produces bile which digests fats, vitamins, and various other nutrients that we gain from eating food and otherwise. It is located in the upper right area of the abdomen just below the ribs. It not only digests food but also stores nutrients that will be used when we're not consuming food. It is quite evident that for our physiological functions to work well, it is very important that our liver also remains healthy. But due to some factors and causes, the liver can get damaged as well. Let's learn more about liver cancer Abu Dhabi here.

 

Types of Liver cancer 

 

The most basic categorization of liver cancer divides it into two types: primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer. We will discuss the most common types of liver cancer to get a better understanding of them.

 

Hepatocellular carcinoma

 

The most common type of liver cancer Abu Dhabi is hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as hepatoma. Recent health studies show that almost 75% of liver cancer cases have this type of liver cancer. This is evident to show how widespread hepatocellular carcinoma is. This cancer roots from the predominant liver cells which are known as hepatocytes. As the condition becomes severe, it spreads from the liver to various organs such as the intestines, stomach, and pancreas. It is said that this type of liver cancer is more likely to be in people with high alcoholic liver damage.

 

Liver angiosarcoma

 

Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare type of liver cancer but it is exceptionally deadly. It is non-cirrhotic and is known to be the third most common primary hepatic cancer. Hepatic angiosarcoma is a type of high-grade and aggressive tumor that requires immediate diagnosis. Early diagnosis is very important in angiosarcoma as it becomes deadly in the later stages. The liver functions well until the tumor has become more advanced. This is also one of the reasons why diagnosis is delayed until it is very late.

 

Hepatoblastoma

 

Another rare type of primary liver cancer is hepatoblastoma. This type of liver cancer is more commonly seen in children under the age of 5. This rare tumor originates in the liver cells and can spread to different parts of the body especially the lungs. The majority of hepatoblastoma tumors begin from the right lobe of the liver. Children who have a high risk of hepatitis B infection at a young age or ones who already have biliary atresia have an increased risk of developing liver cancer.

 

Cholangiocarcinoma

 

Commonly known as bile duct cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, forms in the bile ducts that connect the liver to the gallbladder and small intestines. It is another rare type of primary liver cancer that can be deadly. This type of liver cancer is more common in people above the age of 50. Depending on the exact location of cancer it can be divided into intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and distal cholangiocarcinoma. Its symptoms can include yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes, intense itching, abnormal weight loss, etc. Early diagnosis can be really helpful for the treatment of this condition.

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Symptoms of liver cancer Abu Dhabi

 

Liver cancer can be tricky because most of them do not show symptoms in their early stages. Symptoms may take some time to develop so you must pay attention to them whenever they occur.

 

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)

• Abnormal stool (white and chalky)

• Vomiting

• Easily bleeding or bruising

• Abnormal weight loss

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Nausea

 

Depending on the specific type of liver cancer you might be suffering from, the symptoms can vary as well. It is highly advised that you visit your doctor if you are experiencing any type of discomfort in this regard.

 

Causes of liver cancer Abu Dhabi

 

Liver cancer also comes with various risk factors that can increase your likelihood of contracting the condition. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get sick with the disease. It only talks about the likelihood of getting it.

 

• Chronic viral hepatitis

        This is the most common cause of liver cancer around the world. If you have had a long-term infection with hepatitis B                virus or hepatitis c virus, then you are at a high risk of getting liver cancer. This is because these infections directly lead to           cirrhosis of the liver which is ultimately responsible for liver cancer. Depending on the environmental factors, different                 types of hepatitis virus can carry more risk for liver cancer.

 

• Cirrhosis

 

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver cells become damaged and are replaced by scar tissues. Usually, the liver can repair itself but if the damage is severe then it can not be the same. Cirrhosis causes permanent damage to the liver cells and increases the risk for liver cancer. Most cases of liver cancer already have cirrhosis. It has also been seen that people who have abused alcohol or had viral hepatitis infections had more risk for liver cancer.

 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

 

Fatty liver is a condition in which the liver has more than the required fat in itself. This can become a hindrance to its proper functioning which can result in damage. Although in most cases it is not a life-threatening condition, if proper care and medical advice are not followed it has high chances of developing into cirrhosis. Once cirrhosis occurs, the chances of the condition advancing into liver cancer are also quite possible.

 

Primary biliary cirrhosis

 

Few types of autoimmune diseases affecting the liver can also be the reason for cirrhosis. The best example for such a case would be primary biliary cirrhosis. In PBC, the bile ducts get damaged and in advanced cases, even destroyed which leads to cirrhosis. People with an advanced case of PBC have a high risk of liver cancer.

 

Some other factors that can cause liver cancers are as follows:

• Alcohol abuse

• Heavy smoking

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Rare diseases like Wilson disease, tyrosinemia, etc.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

 

Liver cancer Abu Dhabi diagnosis would begin with a medical history and physical examination. You must tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis infections. Different types of diagnostic tests and procedures will be conducted such as liver function tests, blood tests for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood, abdominal CT or MRI scans, liver biopsy, etc.

 

Various factors contribute to the type of treatment you will be receiving for liver cancer. Some of these factors are:

• Tumors in the liver

• Current functioning condition of the liver

• Presence of cirrhosis

• Spread of the tumors to other organs

 

Depending on these factors you can get treatment plants such as hepatectomy, liver transplant, ablation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, etc.

 

Prevention

 

Liver cancer is not a condition that you can prevent but the risk factors can be managed. You can reduce your chances of getting liver cancer by:

• Getting proper vaccination for hepatitis viruses

• Reducing your risk of cirrhosis

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoiding alcohol abuse

• Maintaining a healthy diet

 

Conclusion

 

Liver cancer UAE can be difficult to cope up with but with proper care, support and treatment it is possible to overcome it. You can talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and work on your emotions to get a better support network. Surfacing your concerns is important to have a holistic recovery. Following the treatment and medical advice, you will be able to find the best way to get treated for liver cancer.