Risk factors for liver cancer

Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of the liver and the most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. Other types of liver cancer, such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are much less common. So what are the risk factors for liver cancer that put a person at increased risk of liver cancer?

Several factors can increase a person's chances of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatocellular carcinoma and HCC for short) including:
Gender Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs more commonly. much more in men than in women. Much of this is probably because male behaviors influence some of the risk factors described below. However, squamous cell carcinoma (which is a subtype of HCC) is more common in women.
Race/ethnicity In the United States, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have the highest rates of liver cancer, followed by Hispanics/Latinos, and Indians/Turks. Alaskans, African Americans, and whites.
Chronic viral hepatitis Worldwide, the most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These infections lead to cirrhosis and make liver cancer the most common cancer in many parts of the world.
In the US, hepatitis C infection is a common cause of HCC, while in Asia and developing countries, hepatitis B is a more common cause. People infected with both viruses have an increased risk of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The risk is even higher if they are heavy drinkers (drink at least 6 drinks a day).
HBV and HCV can be spread from person to person through needle sharing, unprotected sex, or childbirth. They can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, although this is rare in the United States because blood products have been closely tested for these viruses. In developing countries, children are sometimes infected with hepatitis B from prolonged contact with infected family members.
HBV is more likely to cause symptoms, such as flu-like illness and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). But most people make a full recovery from HBV infection within a few months. Only a very small percentage of adults become chronic carriers (and have a higher risk of liver cancer). Infected infants and young children are at high risk of becoming chronic carriers.
On the other hand, HCV is less likely to cause symptoms. But most people with HCV develop chronic infections, which are more likely to lead to liver damage or even cancer.
Other viruses, such as hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus, can also cause hepatitis. But people infected with these viruses do not develop chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis and do not have an increased risk of liver cancer.
Cirrhosis Cirrhosis is a disease in which liver cells are damaged and are replaced by scar tissue. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of liver cancer. Most (but not all) people with liver cancer have some evidence of pre-existing cirrhosis.
There are several possible causes of cirrhosis. Most cases in the United States occur in people who abuse alcohol or have chronic HBV or HCV infections.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition in obese people. People with a classification of this disease, called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) may go on to develop cirrhosis.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Certain types of autoimmune diseases that affect the liver can also cause cirrhosis. For example, in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), damage and even destruction of the bile ducts in the liver can lead to cirrhosis. People with advanced PBC have an increased risk of liver cancer.

Metabolic diseases Certain inherited metabolic diseases can lead to cirrhosis. People with hereditary hemochromatosis (Hereditary hemochromatosis) result from absorbing too much iron from food and iron depositing in tissues throughout body, including the liver. If enough iron builds up in the liver, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Heavy alcohol abuse Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of cirrhosis in the US, as it is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.
Tobacco use Smoking increases the risk of liver cancer. Former smokers have a lower risk than current smokers, but both groups have a higher risk than never-smokers.
Obesity Being obese (overweight) increases your risk of developing liver cancer. This is probably because the condition can lead to fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, often in patients who also have other risk factors such as heavy alcohol use and/or hepatitis chronic micro. This risk may also be increased because people with type 2 diabetes tend to be overweight or obese, which in turn can cause liver problems.
Some rare diseases Diseases that increase the risk of liver cancer include:
Tyrosinemia (Tyrosinemia) Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency Porphyrin metabolism disorders – increased porphyrin levels in the liver, urine Glycogen accumulation disorders ( Glycogen storage diseases) Wilson's disease Aflatoxin Aflatoxin is a carcinogen produced by a fungus found in contaminated products such as peanuts, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, corn and rice. Storing these products in a warm, humid environment can lead to the growth of this fungus. Although this can happen almost anywhere in the world, these fungi are more common in tropical and warmer countries. Long-term exposure to these substances is a major risk factor for cancer. liver. The risk is even higher in people infected with hepatitis B or C.
Vinyl chloride and thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) Exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of malignant hemangiomas of the liver. It also increases the risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, but to a much lesser extent. Vinyl chloride is a chemical used in the production of some plastics. Thorotrast is a chemical that in the past has been injected into some patients during x-rays. When the carcinogenic properties of these chemicals were discovered, the thorotrast was eliminated or exposure to them was minimized. Anabolic steroids Anabolic steroids are male hormones used by some athletes to increase strength and muscle mass. Long-term anabolic use may slightly increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis b vaccine Since chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to cirrhosis and then liver cancer, getting vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus can protect people from liver cancer caused by the hepatitis B virus. caused by hepatitis B.
Treatment of viral hepatitis Chronic infection with hepatitis B or even hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, treating these infections can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has Hepatobiliary Screening packages, which help detect Hepatitis Virus at an early stage even when there are no symptoms. In addition, the comprehensive hepatobiliary screening package helps customers:
Evaluate the liver's ability to work through liver enzyme tests; Evaluation of bile function; vascular nutrition; Early screening for liver cancer; Perform tests such as Total blood cell analysis, blood clotting ability, screening for hepatitis B, C Assessment of liver and biliary status through ultrasound images and diseases that are at risk of affecting liver disease / liver disease. more severe liver disease In-depth analysis of parameters to evaluate hepatobiliary function through laboratory and subclinical; risks affecting the liver and early screening for hepatobiliary cancer To register for examination and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE.
References: mayoclinic.org, cancer.org, cancer.net, webmd.com

See more:
What should liver cancer eat? What should be avoided? Hepatobiliary cancer – New treatments Packages for screening and early detection of liver cancer