1. LIVER CANCER By: Julia Cardia

2. Causes • Cancer is spread from another part of the body (usually colon, lung, breast) and goes to the liver…this is known as SECONDARY LIVER CANCER • Started in the liver from hepatitis…this is known as…PRIMARY LIVER CANCER • Birth Defects • Alcohol Abuse • Chronic Infection

3. Incidents • Only 2% of Liver Cancer cases are Primary Liver Cancer • Found in twice as many men as women

4. Risks • Over the age of 50yrs old • Men • Birth Control Pills

5. Symptoms • No real signs/ symptoms until cancer progresses • Loss of weight/appetite • Abdominal Pain in upper right part of Abdomen • Nausea/Vomiting • Weakness/ Fatigue • Enlarged Liver • Abdominal Swelling • Yellow discharge of skin and in eyes (aka juandice)

6. Tests • Examination of body (check for lumps) • Serum Tumor Marker Test = blood sample to check for high levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) • Blood count test = checks for hemoglobin (oxygen protein) in red blood cells • Biopsy • CAT Scan • MRI

7. Treatment • Cryosurgery = freezes/destroys abnormal tissue • Partial Hepatectomy = Removal of the part of Liver where cancer is • Total Hepatectomy and Liver Transplant = Removal of the whole Liver • Radiofrequency ablation = probe with tiny electrodes that kills cancer cells; is is inserted through the abdomen

8. Prognosis Chance of Living Depends on… • Size of tumor • How well the Liver is working • Patient’s general health

9. Complications • Liver Failure = liver does not function properly • Kidney Failure = kidneys lose ability to filter fluids and waste, and the substances accumulate throughout the body • Spread of the Cancer = other organs become cancerous

10. Prevention • Educate yourself • Use protection • Use a clean needle if you inject drugs • Avoid tattoos/piercings • Avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol

11. THE END