LIVER CANCER

Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) tends to occur in livers damaged by birth defects, alcohol abuse or chronic infection with diseases such as hepatitis B and C, hemochromatosis (a hereditary disease associated with too much iron in the liver), and cirrhosis. More than half of all people diagnosed with primary liver cancer have cirrhosis, a scarring condition of the liver commonly caused by alcohol abuse. Hepatitis B and C and hemochromatosis can cause permanent damage and liver failure. Liver cancer may also be linked to obesity and fatty liver disease.

Various cancer-causing substances are associated with primary liver cancer, including certain herbicides and chemicals such as vinyl chloride and arsenic. Smoking, especially if you abuse alcohol as well, also increases risk. Aflatoxins, cancer-causing substances made by a type of plant mold, have also been implicated. Aflatoxins can contaminate wheat, peanuts, rice, corn and soybeans.

Liver cancer is of two sorts, primary and secondary liver cancer.

1) Primary liver cancer

    - This cancer develops in the benign tumor which gradually develops with other       parts of the body. This cancer is further split into three types, hepatocellular          carcinoma, cholangiocarcinomas and Angiosarcomas and Hemangiosarcoma.

2) Secondary liver cancer

    - It's also known as metastasized cancer. This cancer is caused because of the       development of cancerous cells which are located outside the liver. It may be      caused due to advanced cancer of the breast, colorectal cancer, lung cancer,          kidney cancer or any other type of cancer.