Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) it is a disease that has been found in the world population. Which is also be the second disease of cancer that has brought death to the people. In Thailand, HCC is a number one disease that has been found in men. On the other hand, it has become the third disease in women, compared to breast cancer and cervical cancer.A mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma is quite high. Therefore, risk reduction and prevention are very essential.
Risk factors
Hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC has been found in men about 2-3 times compared to women. In addition, cirrhosis which is caused by many cases, such as hepatitis B virus. hepatitis C virus or alcohol. These can increase the risk of liver cancer as well. However, patients with chronic hepatitis B is considered to be different from others. Meaning there is a possibility to find the HCC while not having cirrhosis.Accordingly, that can cause more risks of disease in men when patient’s age is over 40and in women when their ages are over 50.Moreover, there are still many risk factors such as family history, smoking, aflatoxin exposure
HCC Symptoms
At early-stage, the disease may not appear specifically.There are only symptoms of cirrhosis due to it is a disease that patient has already been infected. However, some symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma consist of anorexia, abdominal pain, stomach enlargement, yellow eye, weight loss, less eating and lumps are found in the stomach.
Diagnosis
The examination can be done in several ways. Sometimes doctor may use multiple approaches for an accuracy.
1. Radiology examination: Ultrasound, Computerized Tomography or CT, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may also be used in combination with the injection of contrast media for more accuracy.
2. Blood tests for levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which may often find in patients with HCC.
Cure
There are several ways to treat HCC. However, there may be a condition and severity that the patient may already have. For example, cirrhosis where patient is in a bad condition, poor liver function or in the late stages of the disease. In addition, the size of cancer and the spread are important to treatment as well.Some patients may need to receive both treatments for liver disease along with cancer treatment.
Remedy
1. Surgery, it is performed in patients who have no cirrhosis or in a primary stage of cirrhosis. And malignancy is not very large. Which there is no spread to other organs.
2. Alcohol injection to the cancer or malignancy directly through the skin. In case the lumps are small.
3.The use of radiofrequency ablation, by inserting a needle through the skin. There are heat waves that kill cancer cells.
4. Transarterial ChemoEmbolization to reduce blood that support the cancer cells. The chemotherapy can destroy the cells directly.
5. Targeted therapy to reduce cancer growth, such as sorafenib.
6. Liver transplant.
Prevention
1. Avoid eating ground peanut and dried peppers. Which they may be contaminated with alpha-toxins. And do exercise regularly in order to keep your body healthy.
2. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
3. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus is recommended
4. In case of cirrhosis a, person should receive a blood test. Also go see a doctor regularly. However, in case of cirrhosis a person should receive a blood test. Also go see a doctor regularly. Including receiving ultrasound for upper abdominal regularly in every 6-12 months.
Phyathai 2 Hospital
Call 02-617-2444 ext. 7401.7406
