2. cells, tissues, and organs
The human body is a composition of
among others that under typical conditions work in harmony to
preserve health. However, there are specific instances when certain
cells in the human body develop at an abnormal speed and as a
consequence a person could get sick with different ailments,
including cancer. It is precisely the purpose of the following group
project to inform the community about one of the most difficult types
of cancer to diagnose and take care of, the liver cancer. Throughout
the pages of the following research manuscript, the reader will learn
about the most important details of liver cancer such as risk factors,
symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. It is expected to
educate the community in order to facilitate them with the necessary
tools that will lead the society into a healthy lifestyle, prevention of
diseases, and if necessary the right course of action.

3.  Cancer is a disease of the cells. There are several
common types of cancer because the cells become
abnormal. These abnormal cells grow and destroy
body tissue and can spread to other parts of the body.
 If these cells lose the ability to control their growth,
they grow too quickly and without causing any order
to create a large amount of tissue called a tumor.
 There are two types of tumor:
• Benign-not cancerous
• Malignant-is cancerous

4. 
 The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of
the belly. Weighing about 3 pounds, the liver is reddish-
brown in color and feels rubbery to the touch.
 Normally you can't feel the liver, because it's protected by
the rib cage.
 The liver has two large sections, called the right and the left
lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with parts
of the pancreas and intestines. The liver and these organs
work together to digest, absorb, and process food.
 The liver's main job is to filter the blood coming from the
digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body.
 Also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does
so, the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the
intestines.
 The liver makes proteins important for blood clotting and
other functions.

5. 
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is cancer that originates in the liver. It
is also called primary liver cancer or Hepatoma.
This type of cancer is often caused by cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver,
infection with the hepatitis B or C viruses, and hemochromatosis (too
much iron in the liver).
HCC is relatively uncommon in the United States, although its incidence
is rising, principally in relation to the spread of hepatitis C infection.
Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about
how liver cancer/HCC is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and
much more.

8.  When you get a diagnosis of cancer, it's natural to wonder what may have
caused the disease.
 A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease.
 Studies have found the following risk factors for liver cancer:
• Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV)
• Heavy alcohol use
• Aflatoxin
• Iron storage disease
• Cirrhosis
• Obesity and diabetes: Studies have shown that obesity and diabetes may be
important risk factors for liver cancer.
 The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that liver cancer will
develop.
 However, many people with known risk factors for liver cancer don't develop the
disease.

9. 
 Preventing and treating viral hepatitis may help reduce your risk.
 Childhood vaccination against hepatitis B may reduce the risk of liver
cancer in the future.
 Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
 Certain patients may benefit from screening for hemochromatosis.
 If you have chronic hepatitis or known cirrhosis, periodic screening with
liver ultrasound or measurement of blood alpha fetoprotein levels may help
detect this cancer early.
 Practice safe sex
 Cover all cuts and open sores with bandage.

10.  Antioxidants

• Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by unstable
molecules known as free radicals that is associated with cancer
• Laboratory and animal research have shown that antioxidants help
prevent the free radical damage. However, results from recent
studies in people are not consistent.
• Antioxidants are provided by a healthy diet that includes a variety of
fruits and vegetables.
 Vaccines
• Cancer vaccines are designed to boost the body’s natural ability to
protect itself, through the immune system.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two
types of vaccines to prevent cancer: vaccines against the hepatitis B
virus, which can cause liver cancer, and vaccines against human
papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer.

11. 
 It's important to meet your nutrition needs before, during, and after cancer
treatment. You need the right amount of calories, protein, vitamins, and
minerals.
 Getting the right nutrition can help you feel better and have more energy.
 You also may have side effects of treatment such as poor appetite, nausea,
vomiting, or diarrhea.
 Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or another health care provider can advise
you about ways to have a healthy diet.
 Liver cancer and its treatment may make it hard for you to digest food and
maintain your weight.
 Your doctor will check you for weight loss, weakness, and lack of energy.

12. 
 When diagnosing liver disease, the doctor may order a liver biopsy, tests
of liver function, ultrasound, CT scan and either a study of magnetic
resonance imaging.
 Common symptoms of liver disease:
• Portal hypertension (Abnormally high blood pressure in the portal
vein, which gives the liver with blood from the intestine.)
• Esophageal varices (Dilated blood vessels in the walls of the lower
esophagus that are prone to bleeding.)
• Ascites (Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity caused by the
escape of fluid from the surface of the liver and intestine.)
• Liver encephalopathy (Impairment of brain function due to
accumulation in the blood of toxic substances that are normally
removed by the liver.)
• Liver failure (Severe impairment of liver function.)

13. • Cholestasis-Reduced or stopped bile flow.
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Jaundice (Yellow discoloration of eyes and skin)
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Enlarged liver

14.  Liver cancer is very common 
in countries in sub-Saharan
Africa and Southeast Asia in
comparison to the United
States; as a matter of fact, it
is the most common type of
cancer in those countries.
 More than 700,000 people
are diagnosed with this
cancer each year throughout
the world and it is the
leading cause of cancer
deaths’ worldwide,
accounting for more than
600,000 deaths each year.

15. 
 To make a diagnosis of liver cancer, the doctor notes the medical history, a
physical examination and order some analysis.
 Blood tests are used to learn how the liver is working and check for tumor
markers.
 Radiographs of the chest and abdomen, angiograms, the CT scans and MRI
can all be part of the diagnostic process.
 The presence of liver cancer is confirmed with a biopsy, through a needle or
during surgery that show.
 The doctor may also look at the liver with an instrument called a laparoscope.
For this procedure, an incision in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope. The
doctor may remove a small piece of tissue for a pathologist examine the tissue
under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.

16. 
 Liver cancer is difficult to control unless the cancer is found
when very small. However, treatment can relieve symptoms
and improve quality of life of patients.
 Treatment depends on the stage of disease, the condition of
the liver and the age and general health of the patient.
 Your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, biological therapy or a combination of
these methods of treatment.

17. 
In brief, preventing and treating viral hepatitis may help
reduce the risk of developing liver cancer; furthermore
childhood vaccination against hepatitis B may reduce
the risks of it. In any given case when a patient is
diagnosed with the disease it is recommended to look
for all the different avenues that could help the patient
either to heal or to live a comfortable life. Your body is
your temple and needs proper nutrition, rest and healthy
habits; free from drugs and alcohol, that is probably the
key to a healthy society.

18. 
Características comunes de enfermedades Hepáticas. (2012) Retrieved from The University of Chicago Medicine,
http://www.uchospitals.edu/online-library/content=S03757
Digestive Disorders Health Center. (2012) Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-
the-liver
El cáncer de hígado: preguntas y respuestas. (2011, October 23) Retrieved from Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de
los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud de EE.UU., http://www.cancer.gov/espanol/recursos/hojas-
informativas/tipos/higado-respuestas
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancer). (2012) Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_cancer/article.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2012) Liver cancer. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver-cancer/DS00399