Levercarcinoom

Levercarcinoom, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It originates in the hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver. While the liver can be a site for secondary cancers that have spread from other organs, levercarcinoom is distinct as it arises directly within the liver tissue.

The development of levercarcinoom is strongly associated with chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. The most frequent causes of cirrhosis leading to HCC include chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and alcoholic liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are also increasingly recognized as significant risk factors. Other contributing factors can include exposure to aflatoxins, a type of toxin produced by certain molds found on crops, and certain inherited metabolic diseases.

Symptoms of levercarcinoom can be vague in the early stages and may include unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, and a feeling of fullness. As the cancer progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests (including alpha-fetoprotein levels), and imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI.

Treatment options for levercarcinoom depend on the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the presence of underlying liver disease. Options can include surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapies, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and systemic therapies. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes.