Beware of Liver Cancer

Liver, including the vital organs in the human body given the task is complicated by the continuity of all functions of the body. One of the deadly disease that attacks the organ is liver cancer.

Globally, liver cancer is a type of cancer in the third highest cause of death. In Indonesia alone, there were 13,238 cases of liver cancer according to research data GLOBOCAN 2008 with the death toll reached 12,825.

Most liver cancer is diagnosed in middle and advanced stage because at this early stage of development of this disease do not show typical symptoms. In general, symptoms of liver cancer are weight loss, stomach feels full, the hard mass on the right just below the rib cavity, skin and eyes become yellow green, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in abdominal upper right.

Statistics show that this disease affects more men with a ratio of 3:1 with a female.

According to Solomon Prof.dr.Ali, Sp.PD-KGEH, liver cancer can be detected through blood tests, ultrasound examination of CT scans, MRI, or biopsy.

"Ultrasound is a simple and inexpensive. If there are any bumps in the liver or an increase in new tumor marker such as a biopsy done further investigation," he said.

Treatment

Liver cancer treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer. Ali explained that in general there are 3 options in the treatment of liver cancer cases, ie, resection or cutting of tissue with cancer, liver transplantation, as well as with radio frequency ablation.

"In the ablation technique, used radio frequency to produce vibrations that destroyed the tumor. Meanwhile, if the liver is still functioning properly, removal of the tumor to treatment options," he explained.

For patients in advanced stage, the selected treatment is palliative in nature or extend the patient's age. One of the palliative therapy that can be selected is the target of therapy.

Targeted therapy works by inhibiting a specific molecule that helps the growth and development of cancer. "The signals or blood vessels supplying the cancer growth will be inhibited so that cancer can not be food and eventually shrink," he said.

Sorafenib is the first oral medication to treat advanced stage liver cancer. In Indonesia, patients receiving these drugs could be extended an average age of 9-11 months.

Currently liver cancer patients who are less able to get sorafenib NexPAP program sponsored by Bayer HealthCare with Indonesia Cancer Foundation. Those who qualify medically and economically able to get treatment free of charge for 12 months.