Liver tumors are excessive cell growth in the liver. Tumors can be grouped into benign tumors and malignant tumors. Sometimes, this condition does not require serious treatment, but there are also those that require medical actions such as surgical removal, chemotherapy, to radiation therapy.
The liver is the largest organ located in the upper right abdomen. A very important function of the liver is to filter and remove toxins or waste substances from the blood. In addition, the liver also plays a role in storing energy in the form of carbohydrates and producing bile to break down food in the digestive tract.
There are many disorders that can occur in the liver, ranging from metabolic disorders, infections, to liver tumors. Because the liver has a big role in the continuity of the body's work, this disorder will certainly greatly disrupt the health of the body as a whole.
Know More Types of Liver Tumors
Some of the most common types of liver tumors include:
1. Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that grow on the surface of the liver. In adults, liver hemangiomas generally have no symptoms and do not require special treatment. This condition is also not at risk of developing into malignant or cancer.
However, in infants, liver hemangiomas can cause complications, heart failure, hypothyroidism, and even death, so it is necessary to get prompt treatment. These tumors are usually detected when the baby is 6 months old and occur together with hemangiomas in other places, such as the skin.
2. Hepatocellular adenoma (hepatic adenoma)
Hepatocellular adenoma or liver adenoma is a rare benign liver tumor. Approximately 90% of people with liver adenoma are fertile women aged 15-45 years and most occur in women who use oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
Generally, these benign liver tumors do not cause symptoms and are only detected when the patient performs an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. Liver adenomas generally don't require treatment either. However, if the adenoma is larger than 5 cm, the doctor will usually suggest surgical removal of the tumor. The reason, this condition may cause bleeding and develop into a malignant tumor.
3. Nodular focal hyperplasia
Nodular focal hyperplasia is a benign liver tumor that is also common in addition to hemangiomas. This liver tumor has no symptoms but can make sufferers complain of pain in the upper right abdomen.
Examination of focal nodular hyperplasia is done via CT scan or MRI. Generally this condition does not require surgery. The doctor will watch and wait for the growth of the tumor and determine the next treatment action.
4. Hepatoma (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Hepatoma is a common type of malignant liver tumor. This cancer usually occurs as a complication in patients with hepatitis B and cirrhosis. In some patients, hepatomas are found incidentally in routine health checks.
However, this condition can also be found after the appearance of symptoms marked by pain, discomfort in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite, fatigue and jaundice. Treatment of hepatoma is by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
5. Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma is actually a malignant tumor of the bile ducts. If it occurs in the bile ducts located in the liver, this tumor is classified as a liver tumor.
Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that generally affects people over the age of 50. In addition, smokers and someone who suffers from chronic liver disease are also susceptible to cholangiocarcinoma.
To handle cholangiocarcinoma, there are a number of treatment options that can be performed, such as surgical removal of the tumor, liver transplantation, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and bile drainage. This treatment depends on the extent of tumor spread and liver function.
How to Prevent Liver Tumors
To prevent liver tumors, you must of course take good care of your liver. Here's how:
- Get the hepatitis B and C vaccines and avoid behaviors that risk causing the disease, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles.
- Avoid smoking or inhaling too much secondhand smoke.
- Consuming coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of liver disease, although the reason still needs to be investigated through further research.
- Live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Avoid excessive consumption of drugs that have side effects on the liver.
- Be aware of the content contained in dietary supplements and herbal medicines.
Not all liver tumors have a harmful impact on the body. However, if liver health is not maintained continuously, severe and irreparable liver damage can occur or develop into a life-threatening malignant tumor.
If you have many risk factors for liver disease, don't hesitate to consult your doctor to find out your overall health, liver function, and ask for advice on prevention or treatment that you can do to prevent liver tumors from occurring.