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Liver Pathologies / Cancer

Liver pathologies encompass a range of diseases and disorders affecting the liver, including liver cancer. Here’s a breakdown of common liver pathologies and liver cancer:

Common Liver Pathologies:-

  • Hepatitis:

    • Viral Hepatitis: Caused by viruses (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E).
    • Alcoholic Hepatitis: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
    • Autoimmune Hepatitis: The immune system attacks liver cells.
  • Fatty Liver Disease:

    • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulates in the liver not due to alcohol.
    • Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fat accumulation due to heavy alcohol use.
  • Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. Common causes include chronic alcoholism and chronic viral hepatitis.

  • Liver Fibrosis: Formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue in the liver as a response to injury.

  • Liver Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections affecting the liver.

  • Liver Abscess: Pockets of pus in the liver caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.

Liver Cancer:

  • Primary Liver Cancer:

    • Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most common type of primary liver cancer, originating in hepatocytes (liver cells).
    • Cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer that originates in the bile ducts within the liver.
  • Secondary Liver Cancer (Metastatic Liver Cancer):

    • Cancer that has spread to the liver from other parts of the body (e.g., colon, breast, lung).

Symptoms of Liver Pathologies and Cancer:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dark urine and pale stools
  • Easy bruising or bleeding

Diagnosis:

  • Blood Tests: Liver function tests (LFTs), viral markers, tumor markers.
  • Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI.
  • Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken for examination.
  • Endoscopy: For certain conditions like cholangiocarcinoma.

Treatment:

  • Medications: Antivirals, steroids, chemotherapy.
  • Surgery: Removal of tumors, liver transplant.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Alcohol cessation, weight management.
  • Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: For certain types of liver cancer.

Managing liver health involves regular check-ups, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis.

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