What Can Cause Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer begins within the liver, which is the single biggest organ in the body. It is also known as hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver is composed of various types of cells, but liver cells, by far, make up the majority of the liver's tissue. Because of that, most liver cancers come from liver cells. There are several factors that can cause liver cancer.

Hepatitis

• People who have chronic infections of either hepatitis B or hepatitis C often have a much higher risk of developing liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a liver disease that results from the HBV (hepatitis B) virus. Hepatitis C is an acute liver ailment that comes from the HAV (hepatitis A) virus.

Alcohol

• People who have abused alcohol for long periods of time are also at a much higher risk of getting liver cancer. This is because long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to the destruction of the liver, such as scarring. This condition is known as cirrhosis. With cirrhosis, scar tissue takes the place of healthy, normal tissue, and it disables many of the liver's essential functions.

Aflatoxin

• Aflatoxin is a toxic fungus that grows on food items that have not been properly stored. It often grows on nuts and grains. Being exposed to this poisonous substance is often considered a risk factor to developing liver cancer. Because the United States has many regulations and rules regarding aflatoxin, this risk is more common in other nations.

Schlerosing Cholangitis

• Schlerosing cholangitis is a chronic liver ailment that results from inflammation and the scarring of the liver's bile ducts. This condition can help cause liver cancer, as well as cirrhosis.

Hemochromatosis

• Hemochromatosis is a hereditary illness. It is a disease that entails the accumulation of excessive iron within the body. This disease is another major risk factor and potential cause of liver cancer. This common genetic condition is frequently associated with various liver-related conditions, such as cirrhosis and liver failure.