Incidence and mortality

Liver cancer is the 3rd leading sites for both sexes. It rank 2nd among males and 9th among females. In 1998, an estimated 5,249 new cases, 3,906 cases in males and 1,343 cases in females, and about 4,403 deaths are expected to occur every year. The incidence in males is practically 2 ½ that of females. Incidence increases at age 40.

Risk factors and prevention

Studies point to a causal relationship between Hepattits B virus carrier state and liver cancer. Primary Liver Cancer is much more common in countries where HBV carriers are prevalent, such as the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, as compared to most developed countries where Hepatitis B is less prevalent.

Hepatitis C infection, though less prevalent, can also lead to liver cancer.

Other factors implicated are heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged heavy intake of aflatoxin and other chemical carcinogens.

Emphasis should be towards prevention, by lowering the prevalence of Hepatitis B through infant vaccination and improving sanitation nationwide.

Warning signals

Abdominal pain, constitutional symptoms such as weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite. An abdominal mass or an enlarged liver are noted.

Early detection

Unfortunately, there is no efficient early detection method for liver cancer.

Treatment

For the occasional patient seen in an early stage, surgery can be curative. For the majority of cases, who are usually seen in an incurable stage, judicious and cost-effective palliative care can provide an acceptable quality of life.