Liver Cancer Life Expectancy

The largest organ present inside the human body is the liver. Optimum liver function is very important for the survival of a healthy body. The liver filters out the pathogenic bacteria and toxins present in the blood and processes the nutrients, hormones and drugs in the body. The liver also produces an essential protein that helps in regulating blood clotting. The liver is the powerhouse for energy production. By now you must have understood that liver is one of the vital organs of the body. This article will cover, not only some information regarding liver cancer life expectancy, but also help you learn some information on liver cancer.

All About Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the cancer of the liver. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer that affects people around the world and it is the third largest cause of cancer-related deaths. Malignant tumors are the major cause of liver cancer and many times cancer cells spread to the liver from other organs, through blood or lymphatic system. This type of liver cancer is known as metastatic liver cancer. Let us go into the details of types of liver cancer.

Primary Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma is primary liver cancer. The primary liver cancer causes include long-term illness due to Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B. Chronic alcoholism is also one of the primary liver cancer causes. Primary liver cancer is mainly due to liver cirrhosis, that occurs due to prolonged alcoholism. The life expectancy at this stage is more compared to secondary liver cancer, if treatment is given on time.

Secondary Liver Cancer
Metastatic liver cancer or secondary liver cancer is often due to spread of cancer from other organs. The secondary liver cancer is caused mostly due to cancer of the colon, pancreas, breast, lung and gastrointestinal tract. The secondary liver cancer life expectancy, in case of untreated liver metastases, is only 6 to 18 months.

Liver Cancer Signs and Symptoms
The liver cancer signs and symptoms are quick to appear and intense. Many people do not realize that this is a serious indicator of liver cancer. Therefore, they never get it diagnosed until the onset of advanced stage. The common liver cancer symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal fullness without reason
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Dull pain in upper side of abdomen
• Pain may also be felt in the shoulder and back region
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Since, these symptoms are commonly experienced with other illnesses and a patient without cirrhosis of the liver may never notice the liver cancer symptoms. With the growing tumor in the liver, the other liver cancer symptoms that may be observed are pain in the back, portal hypertension and jaundice. This late diagnosis of the disease reduces the life expectancy. You can read more on cirrhosis of the liver - life expectancy.

Liver Cancer Stages
There are five stages of liver cancer that are grouped together into three stages according to method of treatment. The first liver cancer stage is marked by 'localized resectable' that is, present only in the liver. This liver cancer can be removed completely with surgery. The second liver cancer stage is the locally advanced unresectable stage. This stage is marked by a cancer that is isolated to the liver, but not spread to other organs. The second stage liver cancer cannot be treated with only surgery. The third, that is, last liver cancer stage is the advanced stage where the liver cancer has spread throughout the body. There are very less chances of life expectancy in this stage. There is also a recurrent liver cancer, that is, a cancer that returns after complete removal and treatment.

Liver Cancer Survival Rate
Liver cancer survival rate is the number of people who survive the disease for five years. This means the percentage of people who are alive after 5 years of having diagnosed with liver cancer. They may show some or no liver cancer signs and symptoms and may or may not be undergoing treatment for liver cancer.

The liver cancer life expectancy depends of number of factors, like the stage of cancer, the size of tumor and if the liver cancer has spread to other body parts. The next factor affecting the life expectancy in case of liver cancer is the ability of the liver to function and the health of the patient. If the patient is suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, the liver cancer survival rate decreases. The alpha-protein levels also influence the liver cancer survival rate.

This major liver disease remains undetected for a long time and hence causes the life expectancy to become low. More than half of the patients diagnosed with liver cancer are men and the average age of liver cancer diagnosis is 60 years. Liver cancer survival rate around the world is just 7% of those with liver cancer that has reached the 5 year survival mark. When liver cancer is removed surgically, the liver cancer survival rate in such cases is about 75% after 1 year of surgery and 50% after 3 years of surgery. After 5 years of surgery, the life expectancy is about 30%.

When one undergoes liver transplant in case of primary liver cancer, the rate of survival is 75% for 5 years. The liver transplantation in case of metastatic cancer or secondary liver cancer is useless, as the liver cancer survival rate is 0%. This is because the cancer spreads to other organs in no time. Thus, when the liver cancer is in the resectable stage, a complete surgical removal leads to higher liver cancer survival rate.

This was all about liver cancer and liver cancer survival rate. Lowering the risk factors and catching the liver cancer signs and symptoms early, is the most important measure that you can take to improve the life expectancy. If you come under the high risk group of liver cancer, make sure you visit your doctor regularly and get yourself tested with regular blood work to check the levels of liver enzymes and get an ultrasound. This will help ensure your liver functions are normal and if there are any deficiencies in the test reports, it may help in diagnosing signs of liver cancer. Regarding any doubts on liver cancer life expectancy, please discuss with your health care provider.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult a health care provider for advice regarding any specific medical condition.