Liver Cancer - Related to Hepatitis B Carrier State?

Liver cancer refers to either primary liver cancer, that is cancer originating from the liver cells or supporting cells in the liver, or secondary liver cancer, that is cancer that has spread to the liver from the surrounding organs, usually via the blood that drains those organs and flow through the liver. In this article we shall confine ourselves to primary liver cancer, also referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liver cancer is one of the more commonly occurring cancers in the world, being the fifth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women. The total number of new cases diagnosed is estimated to be about 500,000 every year. Men seem to be twice as likely as women to get liver cancer.

What could cause this problem?

The incidence of liver cancer seems to be higher in certain countries. Studies appear to indicate a positive relationship between the incidence of liver cancer and that of hepatitis B virus carrier states as well as hepatitis C virus infections. The risk of a hepatitis B carrier developing liver cancer is about 60 times higher than that of a non hepatitis B carrier. This risk appears to be even higher than the risk of a smoker developing lung cancer (about 20 to 25 times).

What countries have a higher incidence of hepatitis B carrier states? It is observed that certain countries seem to have a much higher incidence of hepatitis B carriers. One case in point is Taiwan, where it is noted that an abnormally high 20% of pregnant mothers were discovered to be carriers of hepatitis B. This compares significantly to the incidence of 1% in the United States. Similar studies show a higher incidence of hepatitis B carrier rates in South-East Asian countries, between 10% to 15%. This has led to the postulation that Oriental persons are genetically less able to overcome the hepatitis B virus. This observation is supported by another observation, that the conversion rates to immunisation with hepatitis B vaccine is lower in Chinese as compared with other races.

Studies also show that the incidence of new cases of primary liver cancer has decreased significantly in those countries where there has been a deliberate effort to immunise persons to hepatitis B with hepatitis B vaccine. This is one of the rare situations where there is a demonstrable cause/effect relationship, and where there is definite proof that a particular cancer can be prevented, by both vaccination and by screening of blood and blood products for hepatitis B and C viruses.

Other risk factors or suspected causes of liver cancer need to be mentioned here. They are:

Liver Cirrhosis. A situation of scarring of the liver due to chronic damage as a result commonly of heavy drinking. There is a slight increase of risk of liver cancer developing.

Inherited causes. Persons with hemochromatosis, a genetic problem of excess iron deposits in the body have a higher chance of developing liver cancer.

Aflatoxin. A mold found in bad peanuts and grain is a well known culprit in the formation of liver cancer.

Need to more about liver cancer? Follow this link http://thedocrecommends.com/livercancer for more details. Tony Wong is a medical practitioner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Wong

Are You At Risk Of Developing Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is somewhat unusual because it is generally the result of metastasis, as opposed to native cancerous cells. This means that when someone gets liver cancer, it was the result of cancerous cells from another part of the body, say, the colorectal system, spreading from there into the liver. Whether they began there or migrated there, liver cancer cells grow in the form of tumors, sometimes reaching large sizes.

The liver itself is quite large, one of the largest organs. Located in between the diaphragm and stomach, it is a vital organ that provides numerous functions for the human body. It stores glycogen, synthesizes proteins, and, perhaps most famously, detoxifies the bloodstream. It also has many other roles to play like being a main cog in the digestive system.

With all of its functions tied to key systems in the body, it is no wonder that when cancer strikes, the symptoms are more often than not of the specific type. Two of the most common are jaundice and abdominal pains, but unexpected loss of weight and fever may occur also. Actually, the set of symptoms one experiences is mostly determined by the exact diagnosis from the doctor.

There are four main types of liver cancer that are seen most often: heptocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma, angiosarcoma. Each of these subtypes will effect a different type of cell in the organ. Heptocellular carcinoma is found the most often while angiosarcoma is the more rare yet deadly, because of its aggressive nature.

So what causes liver cancer? It is not completely certain but there are definite risk factors that can put you at a greater chance of developing liver cancer at some point in your lifetime. One of these factors is hepatitis infection. These viruses attack the liver and prolonged exposure can lead to cancer. Another risk factor is diabetes. It has been shown that people with diabetes are much more likely to develop tumors in their liver than people without diabetes.

The risk factor that will probably surprise no one is alcohol consumption. We know that the liver detoxifies the blood, and that includes removing alcohol. Too much alcohol consumption (along with other factors) can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a state which not only permanently impairs your liver's ability to function but also makes it much more susceptible to cancer.

The best way to avoid it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and watch out for the risk factors listed above. If you notice any of the symptoms arising you may want to see a doctor. They can conduct various non-invasive tests such as blood work or imaging, and if they feel it necessary, a biopsy may be performed. After a biopsy, further tests may be conducted in order to determine the exact state of the cancer so that treatment can be tailored to do the most good.

There are a number of different treatments available. The situation will mostly depend on factors such as the age and health of the patient, and of course, how far along the disease is.

Looking for a biOrb fish tank?

Go get information at: http://biorbfishtanksale.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vince_Armstrong

A Liver Cancer Cure and Diet

In one of the most significant books ever written about the relationship between diet and disease, the researcher discovered that cancer was most common among those who consumed mostly animal-based foods -- especially meat and dairy. The scientist discovered this accidentally, while working with malnourished children in the Philippines.

He tried to find out why so many Filipino children were diagnosed with liver cancer. He noted that the primary goal of the nutrition project he worked on was to make sure these children were getting as much protein as possible. (The protein source was primarily meat). The assumption was, after all, that animal-based protein must be good for the children. What he found though, was just the opposite.

It seemed that the children who consumed the highest amounts of animal-based protein in their diets were the ones likeliest to get liver cancer. This researcher then began collecting reports from around the world to see if there were any similarities. That eventually led him to further study nutrition and its connection with disease.

In what became a 20-year study ... the result of a partnership between Oxford and Cornell universities and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine ... the groundbreaking research evidenced more than 8000 associations between diet and disease -- especially cancer.

The conclusion was that individuals who consumed the most "animal-based" diets got the most chronic diseases. But those who ate more "plant-based" diets tended to avoid chronic diseases.

While other factors may be involved, the most obvious common denominator to many forms of cancer is food. When individuals move to the West from parts of the world where cancer is rare, and then adapt Western eating habits, they begin acquiring cancer at the same rate as other Westerners.

Studies comparing raw plant-based diets against animal based ones continuously show that there is more of a connection between diet and cancer than most individuals have ever realized.

To find out more, including stories of how individuals have been able to beat cancer using nutrition, please visit http://www.LivingFoodCures.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_F

Can Milk Thistle Prevent Liver Cancer?

Toxic substances surround us every day, in our food, water, medications, and especially the air we breathe. These toxins are extremely detrimental to the health of your liver, and your choice of liver support supplements can drastically affect this very important organ. Milk thistle has long been known for its liver supportive and protective qualities, and is the number one herbal supplement prescribed for most liver ailments. It has proven in various clinical studies to have a profound effect on the progression of fibrosis, and has been quite effective in slowing the rate of advancement of liver damage.

Most people are aware of the stages of liver disease: inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. If not treated in the early stages, liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) can develop. Milk thistle has been proven to help protect liver cells against further damage from harmful toxins, which speed up the progression of the above stages of liver disease. Supplementing with milk thistle in the early stages can keep the disease from quickly advancing towards liver cancer. In addition to keeping liver cells healthy, milk thistle can also help this vital organ regenerate new liver cells, in an effort to prevent any additional scar tissue from developing.

Milk thistle, or silymarin, is made up of three main components - and silybin is the most beneficial to the liver. This highly concentrated part of milk thistle has the most therapeutic effects on the liver. Research shows that not only is milk thistle anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory, but it has potent antioxidants and can block toxins from invading the liver.

Because it is an herbal supplement, the FDA has not approved milk thistle as a treatment for any condition or disease, including liver cancer. However, the clinical research offers hope that milk thistle's proven ability to help fight liver disease makes it a viable liver cancer preventive method. Anyone with advancing liver disease can benefit from this therapeutic supplement that has no known contraindications or interactions.

Learn more about the health benefits of milk thistle.

Visit LiverSupport.com to learn more about liver health and liver support products. Sign up for LiverSupport Health News, and learn even more about supporting liver health for you and your family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Cutler

Advanced Liver Cancer Symptoms

Liver cancer attacks the healthy cells of the liver that is hard to detect early. The prognosis for this cancer is quite grim because it often show no symptoms.

It is one of the few kinds of cancer that is increasing in terms of new diagnoses since early stages of liver cancer typically do not show many symptoms. The symptoms may be observed once the cancer has advanced to more severe stages.

The cancer may begin in the small cells of the liver or it can be caused by spreading of cancers from others part in body. That is why the disease included to metastasis cancer.

People must be recognizing the signs and symptoms may prevent further delays in treatment although the prognosis for the disease is poor.

Even most people will not have symptoms of liver cancer until the disease is advanced, there are several major symptoms that easy to recognize as symptoms of this cancer.

Many liver cancer patients report abdominal pain in their stomach that is consistent and lasts for long periods of time. Pain in their upper abdomen can also radiate to the back or shoulder. Abdominal pain can also mean that the cancerous tumor has spread across a large area of the liver.

This is the most-common symptom of liver cancer which might not be painful, but it could be tender. Another symptom of the disease is include nausea and weight loss. Many patients will lose their weight because of frequent vomiting or lack of desire to eat.

Jaundice is another symptom of this disease. Jaundice causes the eyes and skin to take on a yellowish color and may also cause very dark urine. Also, it can cause feelings of fatigue and weakness like many others cancer's symptoms such as pancreatic cancer symptoms.

Regular check-ups are so important since symptoms may not present themselves until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

Know more about cancer disease and the symptoms in lobular breast cancer site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kellysa_Becca