How can liver cancer be prevented?
Many liver cancers could be prevented by reducing exposure to known risk factors. Key prevention strategies include avoiding hepatitis B and C infections through vaccination and safer practices, treating chronic hepatitis B and C infections, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of liver cancer.
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Liver cancer diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive physical exam and discussion of symptoms and medical history. Diagnostic procedures may include alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing, which is a tumor marker, and various imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiography. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Common symptoms of liver cancer include weakness and tiredness, pain in the abdomen, swelling of the abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites), pain in the right shoulder, appetite loss, feeling sick, weight loss, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), pale bowel motions, and fever.
What are the risk factors for liver cancer?
The biggest known risk factor for primary liver cancer in Australia is chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses. Other risk factors include fatty liver disease, genetic disorders like haemochromatosis, type 2 diabetes, alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking tobacco, and exposure to certain chemicals.
What are the main types of liver cancer?
There are two broad categories of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Primary liver cancer originates in the liver, while secondary liver cancer spreads from other parts of the body. The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also known as hepatoma.
How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. The cancer is then categorized based on how far it has spread.
What are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?
Risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, chronic acid reflux (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. The risk is higher in people between the ages of 45 and 70.
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), persistent indigestion or heartburn, weight loss, and pain in the throat or behind the breastbone. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.
How common is esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide. It is far more common in men than women.
What are the main types of esophageal cancer?
The two main types are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). SCC typically develops in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus, while AC usually occurs in the lower part.
