Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Watch this video to learn more about how the liver functions and to learn more information about liver cancer:
Primary cancer of the liver cells is called hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, or hepatoma. HCC is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) is also the most rapidly increasing cause of cancer in the United States.
Infection with hepatitis viruses is a major risk factor for developing liver damage and HCC. In Asia and Africa, Hepatitis B is very common, and this infection leads to about 80% of all HCC cases worldwide.
There is now a vaccine available for hepatitis B, and several studies looking at vaccinating children against hepatitis B are showing progress in the prevention of HCC. Because many individuals in Asia and Africa are infected with hepatitis B as young children or infants, their tumors often develop at younger ages.
In western countries, the major causes for liver cirrhosis and HCC are hepatitis C infection, heavy alcohol consumption, and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome includes diabetes, obesity, and hypertension which can lead to fatty changes and damage in the liver.
The image to the left shows a normal liver compared to a cirrhotic liver. Liver cirrhosis is a type of chronic, progressive liver disease in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. In its later stages, the damage to the liver is irreversible.
Metabolic Syndrome is caused by the combination of the following conditions:
- Obesity (overweight).
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Insulin resistance (diabetes)
These fatty changes in the liver, called NAFLD (“non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”) can progress to liver inflammation called “NASH” (“non-alcoholic steatohepatitis”), which can lead to liver cancer.
Less common causes of HCC include certain genetic disorders like hemochromatosis and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Autoimmune hepatitis and some toxins like aflatoxin (a mold which grows on corn and peanuts) can also lead to HCC. Steroids and hormone replacement may be associated with some types of liver cancers.
Other than alcohol and aflatoxin, little is known about the role of diet in contributing to HCC. The role of coffee consumption has received attention recently because several studies have reported that those who drink 2-4 cups of coffee per day may have a lower risk for developing HCC. This may be due to the fact that coffee drinkers tend to have lower insulin levels and are therefore less likely to develop adult-onset diabetes.
Last Updated on 2/15/2012 11:36:35 AM