Can I get liver cancer if my liver function is normal? What are the symptoms and precursors of liver cancer?

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the liver. Clinically, it can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary according to the source of the tumor. The cause of liver cancer is not yet fully understood. According to epidemiological and experimental research data, the occurrence of primary liver cancer is often related to factors such as viral infection, aflatoxin, drinking water pollution, alcohol, sex hormones, nitrosamines, cirrhosis, radiation, and smoking. Secondary liver cancer can invade the liver through different pathways. As for the relationship between normal liver function and liver cancer, as well as the symptoms and precursors of liver cancer, we invite Li Zhiwei, chief physician of Dongguan Kanghua Hospital, to answer our questions.

Can I get liver cancer if my liver function is normal?

If liver function is normal, it is unlikely to develop liver cancer, because liver cancer is actually a manifestation of abnormal liver function. The vast majority of liver cancer patients have cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or C, which then progresses to liver cancer. It is possible that the patient already had abnormal liver function during the hepatitis B or C stage. It is recommended that patients have regular physical examinations and pay attention to liver function indicators such as transaminase, albumin, and bilirubin.

What are the symptoms and signs of liver cancer?

There are basically no symptoms and precursors of liver cancer in the early stage. By the time symptoms appear, it is usually in the middle or late stage, or even later. The symptoms are that the tumor is larger and more diffuse, and there is pain in the right upper abdomen. The liver has an entire capsule. As the tumor grows, the tension in the liver increases, causing a feeling of distension and pain.

Factors that affect the survival time of liver cancer patients: first, it is related to the stage of the patient's disease; second, it is related to the patient's liver function; third, it is related to the pathological type of liver cancer. Generally speaking, the higher the degree of differentiation of cancer cells, the better the prognosis; fourth, it is related to the patient's treatment method. Surgery is currently the most effective and preferred treatment method for liver cancer. The five-year survival rate after liver transplantation for liver cancer that meets the transplant criteria is over 70%, and the five-year survival rate after liver cancer resection is between 30% and 40%. According to clinical investigations, the average time from the onset of symptoms to death of primary liver cancer is 3 to 6 months, and a small number of patients die within 3 months after the onset of symptoms.