The liver is one of the most important organs of the human body. It performs functions that are associated with the digestive process, the hormone system and also the process of removing toxins from the blood. The liver also helps in the destruction of old red blood cells. The liver is responsible for the synthesis of proteins. It also secretes bile which is useful in digesting heavy fatty foods. Functioning without a liver is not possible and therefore the health of one's liver is extremely important. It is important to note that liver cancer is a form of cancer that forms within the liver itself. Because the liver is exposed to the blood flow from the body, it gets affected when cancer in another part of the body metastasizes and spreads. This form of liver cancer is a secondary cancer and is called liver metastasis. Liver metastasis is the result of another cancer and is symptomatic of an advanced stage of cancer where it is nearly impossible to survive.
Liver cancer can be detected through the normal methods of testing such as x-ray imaging, MR scans and CT scans. However, there are usually signs before testing is done which initiate the process of testing. These are symptoms that are associated with liver cancer. Jaundice is one of the symptoms of cancer which has been caused by a partial failure of liver function. Jaundice is actually a symptom of poor liver function rather than of cancer itself. This partial failure can be caused by an infection such as hepatitis, or by cancer which is suppressing the functioning of the liver. Liver cancer will also cause other symptoms that include pain in the abdomen and weight loss. Some other symptoms also may be associated with liver cancer but these may not be diagnostically relevant as they tend to overlap with other conditions.
Liver cancer detection is of prime importance to an individual. This form of cancer must be eliminated in order to prolong the life of an individual. Depending on the location and severity of the tumor, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or some other modern treatments. The exact causes of liver cancer are not completely known. Individuals who are regular alcohol consumers may be at risk of damaging their livers and even of liver cancer. Regular blood tests and screening tests should be undertaken in order to detect liver cancer early rather than late.
Submitted by M T on May 10, 2010 at 04:02