Across the UK, there are more than 4,000 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed every year. Although primary liver cancer is uncommon, it is a serious type of cancer that begins in the liver. This is different from secondary liver cancer, where the cancer develops in another part of the body and spreads to the liver.
Although liver cancer can occur at any age, it is most common in those aged over 60, with the highest rate being among 85 to 89-year-olds.
LIVER CANCER IN OUR AREA
Liver cancer in North West England has rates recorded as 19% higher than the rest of the country. Incidences of liver cancer in Merseyside are 75% higher than the rest of England, while Greater Manchester has a 23% higher incidence rate.
In North Wales, liver cancer is the ninth top cancer by total deaths.
SYMPTOMS
Liver cancer symptoms are often vague and don't appear until the cancer is at an advanced stage. They can include:
- unintentional weight loss
- loss of appetite
- feeling very full after eating, even if the meal was small
- feeling sick and vomiting
- pain or swelling in your abdomen
- yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
- itchy skin
- feeling very tired and weak
Visit your GP if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. They're more likely to be the result of a more common condition, such as an infection, but it's best to have them checked.
CAUSES
The exact cause of liver cancer is unknown, but most cases are associated with damage and scarring of the liver known as cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis can have a number of different causes, including:
- drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years
- having a long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infection
- haemochromatosis, an inherited disorder in which iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years
It's also believed obesity and an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of liver cancer because this can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
DIAGNOSIS
Liver cancer is usually diagnosed after a consultation with a GP and a referral to a hospital specialist for further tests, such as ultrasound scans of your liver and blood tests. However, regular check-ups for liver cancer are often recommended for people known to have a high risk of developing the condition, such as those with cirrhosis. CT and MRI scans and biopsies can also be used to help diagnose liver cancer.
TREATMENT
Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage the condition is at. If diagnosed early, it may be possible to remove the cancer completely.
Treatment options in the early stages of liver cancer include surgery to remove a section of the liver, or a liver transplant. Microwaves or radio waves can also be used to destroy the cancerous cells. For more advanced cases chemotherapy can be used to slow down the spread of the cancer and relieve symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
PREVENTION
You may be able to significantly reduce your chances of developing liver cancer by avoiding or cutting down on alcohol, eating healthily, exercising regularly and taking steps to reduce your risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B and C.
If you have any concerns about the signs and symptoms of liver cancer, please visit your GP.