Maksavähk

Maksavähk, also known as liver cancer, refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the liver. There are two main types of primary liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which begins in the main type of liver cells (hepatocytes), and cholangiocarcinoma, which starts in the bile ducts within the liver. Secondary liver cancer, or metastatic liver cancer, originates elsewhere in the body and spreads to the liver.

The most common cause of primary liver cancer worldwide is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Other risk factors include cirrhosis, a condition where the liver is scarred and damaged, often due to long-term alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and certain inherited metabolic diseases. Exposure to aflatoxins, a toxin produced by molds found on crops like corn and peanuts, also increases risk.

Symptoms of liver cancer can be vague and may not appear until the disease is advanced. These can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, swelling, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests (including tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein), and imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI. A liver biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. They can include surgery to remove tumors, liver transplantation, ablation therapies that destroy cancer cells, and embolization techniques that block blood flow to the tumor. Chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy are also used, particularly for advanced disease. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes.