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The hidden threat of liver cancer: How to recognize early symptoms?
Liver cancer, or liver cancer, is emerging as a hidden threat to global health. Liver cancer can be divided into primary and metastatic. The former is when the cancer originates in the liver, and the latter is when the cancer spreads to the liver from other parts of the body. Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, killing 782,000 people each year, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The areas with high incidence of liver cancer are mainly concentrated in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In these places, the infection rates of hepatitis B and C are higher, especially the incidence rate in men is significantly higher than that in women. As the number of liver cancer cases continues to increase, the need for detection and early identification becomes stronger.
The importance of early symptoms
The early symptoms of liver cancer are usually not obvious, which causes many patients to miss the best opportunity for treatment.
According to expert opinion, regular liver health check-ups are crucial for people at risk of chronic liver disease."Recognizing early symptoms is key to preventing the fatal consequences of liver cancer."
Common types of liver cancer and their symptoms
There are several main types of liver cancer, among which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common, accounting for approximately 75% of all primary liver cancers. At the same time, cholangiocarcinoma has begun to receive attention, especially in certain high-risk groups.
Each type of liver cancer has specific symptoms. For example, symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma may include an abdominal mass, abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss, while cholangiocarcinoma may be accompanied by sweating, jaundice, and tiredness. Patients need to pay attention to these signs and seek early medical advice.
Screening and Diagnosis
For people at high risk, experts recommend having an ultrasound every six months to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma.
If suspicious symptoms are found, further examinations, including CT or MRI, should be carried out immediately to ensure the accuracy of diagnosis."Regular screening can significantly increase the possibility of early diagnosis."
Prevention and treatment
Prevention measures for liver cancer include getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, controlling alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition, for patients with chronic liver disease, active treatment of hepatitis can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer. For patients who have been diagnosed with liver cancer, treatment options vary based on the type and stage of cancer and include surgery, medications, and radiation therapy.
