Cirrhosis and liver cancer are common liver diseases, among which cirrhosis is one of the important manifestations of advanced liver disease, and liver cancer is one of the most terrifying complications of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis refers to irreversible changes in the structure and function of the liver caused by improper response of liver cells to repair after damage, while liver cancer refers to cancer that develops on the basis of cirrhosis, both of which often cause serious health problems.
Early symptoms of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
Early liver cirrhosis usually has no obvious symptoms, so it is often overlooked. However, as liver cirrhosis progresses, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, indigestion, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), etc. Other possible symptoms include:
1. Upper abdominal lump: Some people may feel a lump or mass in the upper abdomen, which may indicate early symptoms of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
2. Ascites: Cirrhosis may cause ascites in patients, as the blood flow to the liver is affected, resulting in water retention in the abdominal cavity. This situation may cause patients to feel bloating and stomach pressure.
3. Hepatic encephalopathy: Cirrhosis of the liver may lead to decreased attention and memory in patients, which is caused by the liver's inability to clear toxins from the body.
4. Liver failure: Cirrhosis of the liver may cause liver failure, which can lead to problems with other bodily functions. A common symptom is skin itching, as the liver is unable to take up and break down toxins in the blood.
Preventive measures for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
The occurrence of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer is closely related to factors such as smoking, long-term alcohol consumption, and hepatitis virus infection. Here are some methods to prevent liver cirrhosis and liver cancer:
1. Develop good lifestyle habits
(1) Avoid smoking: Smoking is a factor that can trigger liver cancer, so it is important to avoid smoking as much as possible.
(2) Limit alcohol consumption: Long term alcohol abuse increases the risk of liver cancer, so it is necessary to limit alcohol consumption.
(3) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining healthy eating habits, moderate exercise, and avoiding overwork in daily life can help reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
2. Prevention and treatment of hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important factor leading to liver cancer. According to statistics, 84% of liver cancer in China is caused by hepatitis B. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to inject hepatitis B vaccine. For newborns, the state has already forced hepatitis B vaccine. For adults, if the hepatitis B surface antibody is negative, the vaccine should also be injected. After the vaccine is injected, protective antibodies can be produced, and hepatitis B virus can no longer be feared. Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through blood, mother and child, and sexual channels. In addition to vaccination, it is also necessary to keep clean, avoid promiscuity, and pay attention to protective measures. For chronic hepatitis patients who have been infected with hepatitis B virus, they should be reviewed regularly. If they meet the antiviral indications, they need to receive antiviral treatment for hepatitis B.
3. Regular physical examination
For people over 35 years old who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, have chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis for more than 5 years, and have a family history of liver cancer in the three generations of their immediate family, alpha fetoprotein and liver B ultrasound should be tested once every six months, which is the most effective method for early detection of liver cancer. The most common "healthy virus carriers" in the population have basically normal liver function, with laboratory tests showing "big three positive" or "small three positive" and no other symptoms. They are particularly easy to overlook and should also undergo regular alpha fetoprotein and liver ultrasound examinations.
In summary, cirrhosis and liver cancer are serious liver diseases. Understanding early symptoms and taking preventive measures can help reduce the incidence rate and reduce the health risks caused by cirrhosis and liver cancer.