Liver Cancer: Killing the Majority of Victims Within a Year

Cancer touches millions of people in this country and across the globe. A diagnosis of cancer is terrifying for the patient and family members. However, a cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean death. True, cancer robs the life of many. Yet, it is imperative to bear in mind that millions of people also win the battle. There are different forms of cancer, and the severity of each case varies. Some cancers are usually curable when discovered early. Then again, some forms of cancer are extremely deadly and claims the life of a large percentage of those affected. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer, yet it is a leader among silent killers.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver. The liver is composed of many different types of cells. These include bile ducts, blood vessels, and fat-storing cells. Liver cells are primarily located in liver tissues. Cancer of the liver occurs when normal healthy cells begin to divide abnormally. The liver has the natural ability to repair itself. When damage occurs to the liver, cells begin to multiply and form new healthy cells. Thus, the liver is repaired. However, on rare occasions, liver cells divide unnecessarily. These new cells attack healthy cells. Cells of this sort are cancerous. There are two forms of liver cancer. Hepatocellular liver cancer is cancer that arises from the liver. Meanwhile, metastatic liver cancer is cancer that spreads to the liver from other nearby organs such as the stomach, colon, lungs, pancreas, or breast. Cancerous cells in the liver are in the form of tumors. However, not all liver tumors are cancerous. Non-cancerous tumors are benign, and these develop from an overgrowth of healthy liver cells.

All types of cancer are potentially life threatening. However, liver cancer is extremely deadly and will kill most of its victims within a year. It is estimated that each year there are over 400,000 new cases of liver cancer worldwide. In fact, liver cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer. Liver cancer occurs in all national groups. However, this type of cancer is more common in