Maksakasvajad

Maksakasvajad, also known as liver tumors, are abnormal growths that develop in the liver. They can be benign or malignant. Benign liver tumors are non-cancerous and generally do not spread to other parts of the body. Examples include adenomas and hemangiomas. Malignant liver tumors, or liver cancer, are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, meaning it originates in the liver. Secondary liver cancer, or metastatic liver cancer, occurs when cancer cells from another part of the body spread to the liver.

Risk factors for developing primary liver cancer include chronic hepatitis B and C infections, cirrhosis of the liver (often caused by alcohol abuse or viral hepatitis), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and exposure to certain toxins like aflatoxins. Symptoms of liver tumors can vary and may include abdominal pain, swelling, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, and nausea. In some cases, especially with early-stage tumors, there may be no noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis of liver tumors typically involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests (including tumor markers), imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Treatment options depend on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. These can include surgery (resection or transplantation), ablation therapy, embolization, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.