What is liver cancer?
Primary liver cancer (including hepatocellular carcinoma) arises in liver cells and is often linked to chronic liver disease. Treatment may combine surgery, ablation, embolisation, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, or transplant evaluation.
Causes
Chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis from alcohol or fatty liver disease, aflatoxin exposure, and some metabolic conditions increase risk. Cancer develops after years of liver injury in many patients.
Risk factors
Chronic viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, obesity-related liver disease, diabetes, and family history raise risk. Men and older adults are affected more often.
Importance of early diagnosis
Early disease may still allow curative resection or ablation. Surveillance in high-risk patients and fast staging after abnormal imaging improve options.