What are some ways to prevent liver cancer?

What is on a CT scan image?

Why do some patients lose their hair?

Does surgery hurt?

What can I do to make a patient feel better?

Does liver cancer occur more in males or females?

How long will a patient be hospitalised?

Will the patient be on medication all his life?

Will cancer recur after surgery?

Will the patient have to go for regular checkups?

What are some ways to prevent liver cancer?

The two most common causes of liver cancer are alcohol and hepatitis B infection. You should not take alcohol at all or limit yourself. You should also immunise against hepatitis B. Mouldy peanuts called aflatoxins also can cause liver cancer.

However, even these ways may not fully prevent liver cancer as we still do not fully understand what causes it. That is why we should always go to see the doctor to check our bodies regularly.

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What is on a CT scan image?

A CT scan will show a cross-section of our liver or our body, depending on where the cancer is. The tumor will usually be in a dark color while the healthy cells are white.

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Why do some patients lose their hair?

Liver cancer is treated mainly by surgery. There should be no hair loss from this treatment. Some patients have to go through radiation and chemotherapy treatments. This will destroy the hair cells. However, the hair will grow back after the treatment.

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The patient will be under anesthesia and will not feel any pain. After surgery, there is some wound pain that can be controlled by pain killer. Even so, the pain will be gone after about a week's rest

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What can I do to make a patient feel better?

You can show your care and concern. Be sensitive to their feelings. You can also provide them with moral support.

Does liver cancer occur more in males or females?

In the period of 29 yrs from 1968 to 1997, there are 5567 males who have liver cancer and 1437 females. We can conclude it occurs more in males.

How long will the patient be hospitalized?

Usually 4 to 7 days.

Will the patient be on medication all his LIFE?

No. Liver cancer is treated by surgery. After operation, there is no need for further medication.

Will cancer recur after surgery?

Yes if the course for liver cancer is still present e.g. alcohol or hepatitis B.

Will the patient have to go for regular checkups?

Yes, usually once in 3 to 6 months. How regular he have to go depends on the condition.