Liver cancer is a malignant type of formation that occurs in the cells of the organ of the same name and its structures. At the same time, the symptoms have certain characteristics and appear due to the action of causes such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and also due to excessive consumption of foods containing an overestimated amount of aflatoxin.
General information
Statistics says that such cancer occurs in women several times less than in the opposite sex. And the age of the patient mostly exceeds the mark of 40 years. In children, this disease is much less common.
It is important to know the types, factors of development, symptoms and methods of treatment of such a dangerous malignant disease as liver cancer. How long to live with such a disease, how to avoid it - all these questions concern not only the patient, but also a he althy person.
There are two kinds of sickness:
- primary;
- secondary.
The primary view originates from the cells that make up the structure of theorgan. Secondary liver cancer is much more common. How long to live with this form? Experts conduct numerous studies, but the conclusions are disappointing.
In the secondary form, the growth of already existing tumor metastases occurs, which are based on malignant cells affected by the disease, therefore this form most often leads to death.
Factors causing liver cancer
There are certain reasons that increase the possibility of developing liver cancer:
- 50 and over;
- men are more at risk of liver cancer;
- viral hepatitis (chronic, more often B and C);
- cirrhosis;
- smoking, alcohol;
- use of contraceptives (in this case birth control pills);
- use of pain medications.
Symptomatics of the formation of liver cancer
The first signs of liver cancer include:
- constipation;
- vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite;
- drastic weight loss;
- weakness.
Symptoms of liver cancer include:
- tumor in the liver area;
- pain in the right hypochondrium;
- itching, yellowing of the skin, spider veins;
- intra-abdominal bleeding;
- endocrine system disorders.
Diagnosis
Preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of general complaints of the patient, examination of the patient, percussion and palpation of the liver, as well as the presence ofavailable laboratory research. In addition, great importance is also given to ultrasound scanning, and in controversial cases, computed tomography and magnetic nuclear resonance.
Laparoscopy allows for an external examination, and if changes occur on the surface, material is collected for histological analysis. There is also such a method for checking the presence of a malignant tumor as hepatography.
Healing from liver cancer
Today, liver cancer is considered one of the most complex diseases.
When treatment involves surgery, you need to know the following:
- if the size of the tumor area is small, it is usually removed to prevent subsequent growth to other organs and lymph nodes;
- destruction of the tumor is carried out by embolization;
- do liver transplant;
- diet is important.
Prognosis of life expectancy in the presence of the disease
How long do people live with liver cancer? This issue, unfortunately, is becoming more and more relevant for the population. Diagnosis of the disease at an early stage, as a rule, gives positive results. When performing surgery as soon as possible, there is a chance to save the life of the patient. Moreover, it will give the opportunity to live for at least five years.
And yet, how long do people live with liver cancer? There is no exact answer to this question, because life expectancy with this disease depends on such reasons,as the severity of the course and its stage, the age of the patient.
One of the most dangerous diseases, which ranks 3rd among all malignant diseases, is liver cancer. How long a patient suffering from this terrible misfortune will have to live is unknown. Most often, the disease lends itself only to surgical intervention. But, in addition, there are methods of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Even the most experienced specialists who study such a disease as liver cancer cannot unequivocally answer all questions. How long the patient has left to live will largely depend not only on the above reasons, but also on his psychological mood. After all, a miracle always happens to those who sincerely believe in it. Sometimes only the care and attention of loved ones can give the patient strength, patience and hope for a good outcome.
How to prevent liver cancer?
- Get your hepatitis B vaccine.
- No alcohol.
- Do not take iron supplements without consulting a specialist.
The prognosis of recovery and survival in this disease is very unfavorable. Along with other ailments, one of the most serious is liver cancer. How long to live, what prognosis and treatment methods are important questions. But, despite everything, you need to be able to set yourself up for the best and not give up. Every year, experts in this field come up with new methods of treatment, and people sincerely believe that someday one will definitely be invented that will help to easily defeat this terrible disease.
