Maksavähini

Maksavähini, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It originates in the liver cells, called hepatocytes. The development of maksavähini is strongly linked to chronic liver diseases, particularly those caused by viral hepatitis B and C, and alcoholic liver disease, which lead to cirrhosis. Other risk factors include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), inherited metabolic diseases like hemochromatosis, and exposure to aflatoxins, a type of mold found on certain crops.

Symptoms of maksavähini can be vague in the early stages and may include abdominal pain, swelling, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. As the cancer grows, these symptoms can become more pronounced. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check liver function and tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as well as imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI. A liver biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and stage of cancer.

Treatment options for maksavähini depend on the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the extent of liver damage. These can include surgical resection (removal of the tumor), liver transplantation, ablation therapies (destroying cancer cells with heat or cold), and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). For advanced cases, systemic therapies like targeted drugs and immunotherapy may be used. Prevention strategies focus on reducing the risk of chronic liver disease through vaccination against hepatitis B, safe practices to avoid hepatitis C transmission, moderate alcohol consumption, and managing conditions like obesity and diabetes.