Abnormal and malignant growth of liver cells causes liver cancer. This form of cancer manifests when healthy cells undergo abnormal DNA changes that make them spread and divide rapidly. It can be caused by hereditary or genetic causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24,500 men and 10,000 women are diagnosed with liver cancer every year in the United States.
Different types of tumors can develop in the liver, and they can be both benign and cancerous. The different types of liver cancer are:
This condition usually occurs in the hepatocytes, which are the cells that form your liver. Those who have a history of long-term chronic hepatitis are at high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Bile ducts transfer bile to the gallbladder to help in the process of digestion. Cholangiocarcinoma, also called bile duct cancer, occurs in the small tube-like bile ducts.
It is a rare form of cancer and develops in the blood vessels of the liver.
It is an extremely rare form of liver cancer and it is found in children under the age of 3 years and can be treated with proper chemotherapy.
In the early stages, symptoms are usually not experienced. When the disease starts developing, the signs and symptoms are observed. The signs and symptoms might include:
There are different treatments available for this cancer and doctors consider different factors before recommending any specific treatment plan. The parameters considered by the doctors will include:
The different treatment options available are as follows:
In this type of treatment, a portion of the liver is removed, and it is used in early-stage cancer only.
During the process of an ablation, heat, cooling, and ethanol injections are used to destroy cancerous cells.
Beams of high-energy radiation are used to destroy the cancer cells.
This is a drug therapy that is used to kill cancer cells and the medications are injected through veins Chemotherapy must be used when other therapies are not suitable since it has some side effects.
To diagnose this cancer, your medical history will be examined and physical tests will be conducted. The chances of liver cancer increase if you have a long-term history of alcohol consumption or hepatitis.
Diagnostic tests for liver cancer include the following:
Many types of biopsies can help in diagnosing liver cancer which are as follows:
When there is AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) in your liver, it can be a sign of liver cancer. It is produced in the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus.
Diagnostic procedures such as an ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI provide detailed images of different organs. These can help doctors in detecting the location and the size of the tumor.
The doctors at ACTC in Florida provide excellent patient care by prescribing customized and evidence-based treatment plans. ACTC strives to create a positive environment for the patients and their families throughout the treatment journey.
The following are our providers who you can consult at ACTC:
MD, Hematology & Oncology
MD, Ph.D., Hematology/ Medical Oncology
MD, Radiation Oncologist
If you or your family member has been diagnosed with liver cancer, an internet search for a liver cancer doctor in and around Brooksville may not be the best thing to do. A comprehensive discussion with your diagnosing physician would help you understand your condition better. Your pcp may then refer you to an advanced cancer treatment center like ACTC in Florida.
As one of Florida’s leading liver cancer centers, we understand how diagnosis and the treatment of cancer impact the emotional and physical state of the patient’s mind. As a result, we work hard to ensure patients and families are secure. At ACTC, we seek to provide complete treatment for all types of liver cancer including screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and long-term follow-up, all in one location.
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565Most people who are diagnosed with liver cancer are above the age of 60 years. People between the age of 85 to 89 years are more likely to get infected with liver cancer.
Ultrasound is used to detect primary liver cancer and cirrhosis as well. Only ultrasound cannot detect liver cancer, for this, you need a few more scans.
The main causes of liver cancer are long-term hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus. These viruses develop cirrhosis in the liver and cause liver cancer.
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565