How to prevent liver cancer

Particularly in Vietnam, liver cancer ranks 4th in the ladder of incurable diseases.

Structure and function

The liver is part of the digestive tract. It is the largest organ in the human body. In addition to the main role of producing bile to digest food, the liver is also likened to a miniature chemical factory, thanks to its ability to receive and process harmful substances that enter the body. Besides, the liver also undertakes a number of other important functions related to very complex biochemical and metabolic reactions in the human body.

Hepatocytes have a special structure like germ cells, because they have the ability to divide and duplicate themselves. Thanks to this special feature, the liver has the ability to regenerate if it loses some of its weight. Studies show that the liver’s ability to regenerate can reach 25% of its weight, which means that it regenerates up to a quarter of the liver.

Bile is secreted by hepatocytes and is concentrated in a system of tiny tubes called bile ducts. The bile ducts unite to form the bile duct. There are left hepatic bile ducts and right hepatic bile ducts. These two bile ducts merge into one larger bile duct called the common hepatic duct.

A short section called the cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct to form the common bile duct. The amount of bile secreted by the liver if not used or excess during digestion will be “stored” in the gallbladder.

Hepatocytes are the units responsible for performing liver function. Liver functions include: Secretion of bile to digest fats (lipids); Protein (protein) metabolism; Convert ammonia to urea; Metabolism of fats (lipids) through the synthesis of cholesterol and the production of triglycerides; Metabolizing carbohydrates by synthesizing glucose (sugar), breaking down glucose into glucose or synthesizing glucogen from glucose.

In addition, hepatocytes also synthesize clotting factors, break down hemoglobin, insulin and other hormones.

The liver is a storehouse of glucose (in the form of glycogen), vitamin B12, iron (Fe) and copper (Cu). The liver makes the main red blood cells for the fetus in the first 3 months. The liver also participates in the body’s immune system through the reticuloendothelial system to capture all antigens that enter the body and enter the liver.

Causes of cancer

The cause of liver cancer is still unknown until now. However, experts have identified some risk factors for liver cancer as follows:

– Chronic hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis (mostly due to alcohol).

– Patients with diabetes.

– People exposed to toxic substances (such as Vinyl chloride used in the manufacture of plastics, Arsenic contaminated in drinking water…)

– Smoking addiction.

Common Manifestations

Jaundice in the hands indicates liver disease.

Common manifestations in people with liver cancer are fatigue, unexplained weight loss, poor appetite, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, easy bleeding or easy bruising, jaundice, and abdominal pain. ascites, dark urine. In the final stage of the disease, confusion and coma.

In cases of suspected liver cancer, patients are usually given an AFP (Alpha fetoprotein) blood test. Although this is not the final determining factor, up to 70% of people with liver cancer have high AFP in the blood.

Ultrasound, X-ray, Laparoscopy, Angiography, Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are also useful in definite diagnosis.

Liver biopsy (Biopsy: Inserting a needle into the tumor to get a sample) is the surest evidence for this unexpected “judgment”.

Direction of disease treatment

The treatment of liver cancer in general is very difficult. Because patients are often detected in the late stage. The survival of patients with liver cancer depends on many factors.

The prognosis for metastatic liver cancer is very poor. If detected early, successful surgery (only with a rate of 10-20%) gives a good prognosis, but if surgery fails, the patient will die within 3-6 months. The failure of surgery is due to damaged liver cells and cirrhosis of the liver.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have had limited results. Liver transplantation gives good results in cases that have not metastasized, but the technique is complicated, the cost is “dizzy” and the source of liver transplantation is extremely rare.

In recent years, a number of new treatment methods have been tested, such as cryotherapy (injecting chemicals into the tumor), SIRT (Selective Internal Radiation Therapy) method – using high-frequency waves to “hit” directly on the tumor without damaging the surrounding tissues) has opened up many prospects in fighting Death to regain the patient’s life.

Prevention tips

To avoid a “death sentence” with liver cancer, prevention is still the cheapest and most effective method.

It is important to minimize the above risk factors such as quitting alcohol and smoking, using clean water, avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals, early detection and effective treatment of diabetes. and especially hepatitis. Get vaccinated against hepatitis of all kinds and have regular health check-ups.

According to Mai Huu Phuoc