Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, responsible for various functions, including filtering blood, detoxifying chemicals, and producing bile for digestion.
Types of Liver Cancer:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):
- The most common type, originating from the main liver cells (hepatocytes).
- Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer):
- Cancer that starts in the bile ducts within the liver (intrahepatic) or outside the liver (extrahepatic).
- Angiosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma:
- Rare cancers originating from the blood vessels of the liver.
- Hepatoblastoma:
- A rare type of liver cancer that typically affects young children.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Chronic Viral Hepatitis:
- Hepatitis B and C infections significantly increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis:
- Chronic liver damage and scarring increase the likelihood of liver cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption:
- Long-term, heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis and increase cancer risk.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
- Associated with obesity and diabetes, leading to liver damage.
- Aflatoxins:
- Toxins produced by certain molds found in improperly stored food, like grains and nuts.
- Hemochromatosis:
- Genetic disorder causing iron accumulation in the liver.
- Gender:
- Men are more likely to develop liver cancer than women.
Symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Upper abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- General weakness and fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- White, chalky stools
Diagnosis:
- Blood Tests:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels can be elevated in liver cancer.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to visualize the liver and detect tumors.
- Biopsy:
- Removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope.
- Liver Function Tests:
- Assessing the liver’s performance through blood tests.
Homoeopathy Treatment:
Homeopathy, a complementary and alternative medicine system, uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing processes.
Common Homeopathic Remedies for Liver Health:
- Carduus Marianus (Milk Thistle):
- Used for liver disorders, including cirrhosis and jaundice.
- Chelidonium Majus:
- Used for liver and gallbladder problems, pain in the liver region, and jaundice.
- Phosphorus:
- Used for fatty degeneration of the liver and jaundice.
- Lycopodium Clavatum:
- Used for liver enlargement, digestive disturbances, and bloating.
- Nux Vomica:
- Used for liver dysfunction related to excess alcohol and rich food intake, and digestive issues.
- Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion):
- Used for liver detoxification and supporting liver function.
