Is Liver Cancer Hereditary?
Understanding Liver Cancer
Your liver is an important organ responsible for digestion and filtering toxins out of your bloodstream. Liver cancer can severely impact its function, and there are multiple types of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatoblastoma.
Participating in Clinical Trials for Liver Disease
If you have liver disease, participating in a clinical trial can give you access to the latest treatments not yet widely available and help find a cure. At ChatGPT-Pharmacy.com, we make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for liver disease.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can present in various ways, including feeling full quickly when eating, weight loss, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, leg edema, fatigue, swelling in the abdomen, and jaundice.
Common Causes of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is caused by mutations in DNA that cause uncontrollable cell growth and tumor formation. Chronic liver disease is a common cause of HCC, as well as environmental toxins, lifestyle factors like alcohol and tobacco use, obesity, and diabetes.
Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Liver Cancer
While HCC does not have a heritable risk, family history can be a risk factor. Certain inherited disorders like hereditary hemochromatosis and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are associated with HCC development. People with diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to aflatoxins, cirrhosis, or hepatitis B or C are also at increased risk.
Preventing Liver Cancer
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent liver cancer, you can reduce your risk by reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, taking measures to prevent hepatitis, and asking about liver cancer screening. Consult with a medical professional about screening if you have risk factors for liver cancer.
Understanding Genetic Testing
Genetic testing examines your DNA for changes, patterns, or mutations that indicate a particular trait or predisposition. Results are not usually absolute and can give you an idea of disease risk or likelihood of a trait. Your medical professional can explain your results and what they may tell you about your health.