Will liver function be abnormal if you have liver cancer?

Liver cancer patients often have abnormal liver function, but whether it is abnormal and the degree of abnormality vary depending on the disease. Abnormal liver function is mainly manifested by elevated liver enzymes, changes in bilirubin levels, or decreased albumin. This needs to be confirmed through professional examinations. Early detection of liver cancer is crucial, and liver function and disease progression should be monitored in combination with regular physical examinations, symptom observation, and necessary examinations.

1) Causes of abnormal liver function caused by liver cancer

Liver cancer can damage liver tissue and affect the normal function of liver cells. Tumors directly damage the structure of liver cells, which may lead to elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST); when bile excretion is blocked, it can cause elevated total bilirubin. In addition, liver cancer is often accompanied by cirrhosis, which further weakens the liver's metabolic and detoxification functions and causes a decrease in albumin and coagulation factor levels.

2) How to confirm whether liver function is abnormal

Abnormal liver function must be confirmed by laboratory tests. Commonly used tests include: ① Full liver function test to evaluate the levels of enzymes, proteins and bilirubin; ② Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test, which can be used for liver cancer screening; ③ Imaging tests, such as color Doppler ultrasound or CT, can help determine the extent of liver disease. It is recommended to comprehensively evaluate liver function status and condition based on the above test results.

3) What to do if liver cancer causes abnormal liver function

If a patient is diagnosed with liver cancer and has abnormal liver function, the following treatment measures can be taken according to the specific situation:

① Drug treatment: For abnormal liver function, liver protection drugs such as reduced glutathione can be used to improve the regeneration ability of liver cells, or liver protection drugs such as polyene phosphatidylcholine can be used to repair liver cell membranes.

②Surgical treatment: Patients with early-stage liver cancer can choose partial liver resection. If liver function is still good and conditions permit, transplantation surgery is one of the effective methods for treating advanced liver cancer.

③ Non-surgical treatment: For cases that are not suitable for surgery, local ablation therapy (such as radiofrequency ablation), interventional therapy (such as hepatic artery chemoembolization) or targeted drug therapy can be selected.

4) How to prevent and improve liver function

It is very important to protect liver function in life, especially high-risk groups should pay more attention to: ① Adhere to a healthy diet: high-protein, low-fat foods are liver-friendly, such as fish, soy products and green vegetables; ② Quit drinking and avoid the use of hepatotoxic drugs; ③ Regular physical examinations, especially for people with a history of hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection, regular testing of alpha-fetoprotein and liver function.

Liver cancer usually affects liver function, but the specific situation varies from person to person. Early detection is important. If abnormal liver function is found during a physical examination, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to check for liver cancer or other diseases. Adjusting your lifestyle and cooperating with treatment will help improve your condition and prolong your quality of life.