Mayo Clinic Explains Liver Cancer

Summary

Dr. Sean Cleary, a liver surgeon at Mayo Clinic, explains liver cancer in this informative video. He covers the liver's vital functions, including toxin removal and blood clot regulation, before diving into liver cancer itself. The video distinguishes between primary liver cancer and metastatic cancer and highlights key risk factors such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and excessive alcohol use. Symptoms, diagnosis, and staging of liver cancer are discussed, along with treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapies. Dr. Cleary emphasizes the importance of early detection and specialized care for the best outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The liver is a vital organ with over 500 functions, including balancing blood chemicals, producing bile for digestion, and detoxifying the body.
• 😀 Liver cancer often develops in people with underlying liver diseases like hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• 😀 There are two main types of liver cancer: primary liver cancer, which starts in the liver, and metastatic liver cancer, which spreads from other organs like the colon or breast.
• 😀 The primary cause of liver cancer is mutations in the DNA of liver cells, which lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.
• 😀 Risk factors for liver cancer include chronic infections, inherited liver diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, and exposure to aflatoxins.
• 😀 Early stages of liver cancer may not show symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they can include weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
• 😀 Screening for liver cancer using ultrasound is effective, particularly for those with known liver conditions, and can help detect cancer before symptoms develop.
• 😀 Blood tests, imaging scans (ultrasound, CT, MRI), and sometimes biopsies are used to diagnose liver cancer.
• 😀 Staging tests help determine the size and spread of the cancer, which is crucial for choosing the right treatment plan.
• 😀 Treatment options for liver cancer include surgery (tumor removal or liver transplant), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy, which aim to kill or shrink cancer cells.

Q & A

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the liver, often forming a tumor or mass of cancerous cells. It can either originate in the liver or spread to the liver from other parts of the body.

What are the main functions of the liver?

The liver has over 500 known functions. Some of its primary roles include balancing chemicals in the blood, producing bile for digestion, clearing toxins from the blood, and regulating blood clotting.

Who is at risk of developing liver cancer?

People at higher risk of liver cancer include those with chronic infections of hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, certain inherited liver diseases (like hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease), diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and those exposed to aflatoxins. Excessive alcohol consumption over many years can also increase the risk.

What are some common symptoms of liver cancer?

Common symptoms of liver cancer include unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, abdominal swelling, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and white, chalky stools. Other symptoms may include fever, enlarged veins on the abdomen, and abnormal bruising or bleeding.

How is liver cancer diagnosed?

Liver cancer is diagnosed using blood tests to check for liver function abnormalities, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs, and sometimes biopsy. The doctor may also use these tests to determine the stage of cancer.

What is the importance of liver cancer staging?

Liver cancer staging is crucial for determining the extent of the cancer, such as its size, location, and whether it has spread. This helps doctors plan the most effective treatment options and predict the patient's prognosis.

What are the different stages of liver cancer?

Liver cancer can be staged using various methods. Some use Roman numerals (I-IV), while others use letters (A-D). Staging helps determine treatment options and the likelihood of successful treatment.

What treatment options are available for liver cancer?

Treatment options for liver cancer include surgery to remove the tumor or the entire liver (liver transplant), radiation therapy to shrink or destroy cancer cells, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells using powerful drugs, and targeted drug therapies that block specific cancer cell abnormalities.

What is the role of targeted drug therapy in liver cancer treatment?

Targeted drug therapy focuses on specific abnormalities within cancer cells. By blocking these abnormalities, targeted treatments can cause cancer cells to die, offering a more focused and often less harmful approach compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Can liver cancer be detected early?

Yes, liver cancer can be detected early through screening programs using ultrasound, which are particularly effective for individuals with known liver disease. It's important for people at high risk to discuss screening options with their healthcare providers.