The liver is a vital organ in the human body, and cancer diagnosis in this organ can be life-threatening. Cancers are uncontrollable divisions of the cells in a body that can disrupt and impair the functionality of the infected organs. It is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide.
Liver cancers are the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths, so it is crucial to know the correct information about this type of cancer. In general, there are a lot of myths surrounding liver diseases, and the same goes for liver cancers.
Here are some common myths about liver cancer busted:
Myth 1: Liver cancer is caused due to alcohol
Any liver disease, including liver cancer, is caused due to a variety of factors other than alcohol consumption. Alcohol is one of the most common reasons for liver cirrhosis which has a higher chance of converting into liver cancer. But it can also be due to Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C infection. Fatty liver disease caused due to obesity substantially increases the risk of developing liver cancer, even in the absence of liver cirrhosis.
Myth 2: Liver cancer is hard to detect without Biopsy
Biopsy (the procedure to remove tissue cells for testing) is not predominantly used to detect cancer in the liver. On the contrary, liver cancer can be detected more accurately using imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans. The Biopsy is undertaken to determine the course of treatment only after the presence of cancer cells is confirmed.
Myth 3: There is no cure for liver cancer
Most liver cancer cases are hard to treat because they do not cause any pain and are diagnosed at an advanced stage. If identified early, up to 70% of liver cancer cases are treatable. The possible curative therapies for liver cancer include: resection of the liver (removal of the infected area since the liver can regenerate the tissue), ablation (burning of the cancer cells), and live transplantation (from a living or dead donor).
Even for advanced-stage patients, palliative care that involves the injection of suitable drugs that help relieve the symptoms is recommended. It can slow down the progression, manage pain levels and help provide a better quality of life.
Myth 4: It is not possible to prevent liver cancer
Liver cancer can be prevented by taking certain precautions. Individuals with a family history or history of hepatitis infection or liver cirrhosis should regularly consult doctors and test the liver for its health.
Liver disease treatment can help reduce the possibility of liver cancer by early detection and early treatment This can help early detection of liver diseases and treat them immediately to decrease the possibility of liver cancer significantly.
Another common cause of liver damage is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is caused due to an unhealthy lifestyle and manifests in individuals who are obese and lack physical activity. In such cases, changing diet and being active can easily prevent liver cancers.
One of the biggest problems with liver disease is that it can be undetected for a long time and does not cause pain or discomfort in an individual. Sufficient care and treatment for liver functions, especially in individuals with the above-discussed risk factors, can go a long way in curbing and preventing liver cancer. Taking routine medical check-ups and undergoing liver cancer treatment in Chennai can play a significant role in preventing liver diseases and cancer in turn