Information On Hepatomas, Causes Of Hepatomas, Synonyms of Hepatomas, Symptoms Of Hepatomas, Treatment Of Hepatomas, Diagnosis Of Hepatomas

INFORMATION ON HEPATOMAS

Hepatomas are the most common type of cancer originating in the liver. Fibrolamellar carcinoma is a rare type of hepatoma that usually affects relatively young adults. Malignant hepatoma is more common among alcoholics, those with hepatitis B, cirrhosis and other chronic ailments. Most cases of hepatomas are secondary to either hepatitis infection. In countries where hepatitis is not endemic, most cancers in the liver are not primary hepatomas but metastasis of cancer from elsewhere in the body.

SYNONYMS OF HEPATOMAS

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Polycythemia vera.
2. Erythrocytosis.
3. Relative erythrocytosis.
4. Ramilial erythrocytosis.
5. Red blood cell count.
6. Hemoglobin.

CAUSES OF HEPATOMAS

Hepatomas are usually closely linked to cirrhosis of the liver due to long-term alcohol misuse. Because the liver is important in removing toxic substances from the body, heavy drinking means it has to work very hard and will be damaged over time. Recurring infection of hepatitis C also increase the risk of developing a hepatoma. Fibrolamellar carcinoma is a type of hepatoma.

SYMPTOMS OF HEPATOMAS

Symptoms of Hepatomas are:
1. Abdominal pain.
2. Weight loss.
3. A fever may occur.
4. Abdominal pain and shock.
5. Low blood pressure.
6. A large mass that can be felt in the upper right abdomen.

DIAGNOSIS OF HEPATOMAS

Hepatomas are difficult to diagnose because they don't present with many symptoms early on. Diagnosis is made on symptoms.

Test under diagnosis are:

1. Imaging studies called ultrasound.
2. Computed tomography.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging.
4. Liver biopsy.
5. Abnormal blood tests.

TREATMENT OF HEPATOMAS

It is difficult to survive in such conditions. A person with a small tumor may do very well after the tumor is surgically removed. Chemotherapy drugs can be injected into a vein or into the hepatic artery, which then delivers a high concentration of the drugs directly to the cancer cells in the liver. Although chemotherapy drugs can temporarily slow the growth of the tumor, they do not cure the cancer.