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Liver Cancer
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What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in liver tissue or nodules within the liver and may also develop from bile duct cells inside the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is often associated with chronic hepatitis B or C infection and is one of the most common cancers in Taiwan.
The exact cause of liver cancer is still not fully understood, but chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, genetic factors, and exposure to carcinogenic substances are all considered potential risk factors.
The exact cause of liver cancer is still not fully understood, but chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, genetic factors, and exposure to carcinogenic substances are all considered potential risk factors.
Common causes include
- Chronic viral hepatitis: Chronic hepatitis B or C infections are the primary causes of liver cancer. Long-term viral infections can lead to chronic inflammation and liver fibrosis, eventually resulting in cancer.
- Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a condition involving severe fibrosis and impaired liver function. It is often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, or fatty liver disease and significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Alcohol abuse: Long-term and excessive alcohol intake can damage liver cells, leading to hepatitis, fibrosis, and liver cancer.
- Fatty liver disease: Excess fat accumulation in liver cells—known as fatty liver—can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually cancer.
- Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations may increase the risk of liver cancer, especially among individuals with a family history of the disease.
- Exposure to carcinogens: Substances such as nitrites, aflatoxins, and other harmful chemicals may increase liver cancer risk.
- Diabetes: Long-term diabetes may also raise the risk of developing liver cancer.
- Medication or chemical exposure: Long-term use of certain drugs, chemicals, or hormones may be linked to liver cancer development.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Early-stage liver cancer usually does not cause noticeable symptoms, making early detection and diagnosis difficult. As the tumor grows, symptoms may include:
- Abdominal or upper right abdominal pain: Caused by the tumor pressing on nearby structures.
- Abdominal mass: A lump or swelling may be felt in the abdominal area.
- Digestive issues: Such as loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.
- Jaundice: When liver function is impaired, yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur.
- Fatigue and weakness: Due to the body’s metabolic changes and increased energy consumption caused by the cancer.
Proton Therapy for Liver Cancer
Proton therapy is a form of radiation treatment that uses high-energy proton beams to precisely target tumor tissue and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Compared to conventional X-ray radiation therapy, proton therapy offers the following advantages:
- High-dose radiation delivery: Proton beams can deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor, helping to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Non-invasive treatment: Proton therapy is a non-surgical option, which avoids surgery-related risks and recovery time.
- Reduced side effects: Due to the precision of proton beams, surrounding healthy tissues receive less radiation, potentially reducing side effects.
- Preserved quality of life: Patients can often maintain their usual lifestyle during and after treatment.
- Usable in previously irradiated areas: Proton therapy may be effective for treating areas that have already received conventional radiation.
However, proton therapy may not be suitable for all liver cancer patients. For those with diffuse liver cancer or multiple tumors across different liver lobes, proton therapy may not provide the optimal treatment outcome. Therefore, treatment decisions are based on each patient’s specific condition and should be made in close consultation with their medical team.
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