What does Liver Cancer mean

What does Liver Cancer mean?

The liver, situated in the upper right portion of the abdomen below the diaphragm and above the stomach, is a vital organ with various cell types including liver cells, bile ducts, blood vessels, and fat-storing cells. Liver cells, or hepatocytes, comprise the majority of liver tissue (about 80%).

Liver cancer can be primary or secondary. Primary liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma, originates from the liver cells (hepatocytes) and accounts for over 90%-95% of primary liver cancers. Secondary or metastatic liver cancer occurs when cancer from other organs, such as the colon, lung, or breast, spreads to the liver.

Liver cancer is a significant global health issue, affecting older adults (over 60 years) in developed nations like the USA, European countries, and Australia. Conversely, in developing countries across Asia and Africa, liver cancer tends to impact younger adults between 20 and 50 years old. Symptoms of liver cancer are often nonspecific, overlapping with those of other liver diseases and health issues. Diagnosis of liver cancer is typically made in the late stages of the disease, resulting in a guarded prognosis. However, prognosis and response to treatment are generally better in the early stages of liver cancer.