Answer:

Liver cancer is one of the malignant diseases with a high incidence and mortality rate in Vietnam. This disease occurs when liver cells undergo mutations in their DNA, leading to uncontrolled growth and the formation of malignant tumors. Many cases of liver cancer develop on the background of chronic liver diseases.

Numerous factors increase the risk of liver cancer, with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection being a primary cause. These viruses cause prolonged inflammation and damage, which can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer. Patients with cirrhosis, regardless of its underlying cause, are also at an elevated risk of developing liver cancer.

Doctor Thang advises a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Individuals with obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes, or metabolic disorders like hemochromatosis (iron overload) and copper metabolism disorders also face a higher likelihood of developing liver cancer. Other risk factors include long-term consumption of moldy food, especially poorly preserved nuts containing aflatoxin, and heavy alcohol intake, which causes hepatitis, liver damage, and cirrhosis.

People who do not smoke or drink alcohol can still develop liver cancer. If you are over 50 years old and have any of the aforementioned risk factors, you should undergo regular liver cancer screening as advised by your doctor. Depending on each individual's condition, doctors may recommend screening methods such as liver function tests (protein, albumin, liver enzymes, bilirubin) to assess liver activity.

Tests for liver tumor markers, including AFP, AFP-L3, and PIVKA-II, or imaging techniques like ultrasound, abdominal CT scans, and liver MRI, help detect tumors early, determine their location and size, and evaluate the potential for metastasis. Detecting liver cancer in its early stage can significantly improve treatment effectiveness.

Doctor CKI Huynh Quoc Thang

Oncology Department, Oncology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM