Risk

Risk of liver cancerThe role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in causing liver cancer is well established. Several lines of evidence point to this strong association. As noted earlier, the frequency of liver cancer relates to (correlates with) the frequency of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. In addition, the patients with hepatitis B virus who are at greatest risk for liver cancer are men with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and a family history of liver cancer. Perhaps the most convincing evidence, however, comes from a prospective (looking forward in time) study done in the 1970's in Taiwan involving male government employees over the age of 40. In this study, the investigators found that the risk of developing liver cancer was 200 times higher among employees...

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liver cancer

Cancers that start in the liver Several types of cancer can start in the liver. hepatocellular carcinoma: This is the most common form of liver cancer in adults. It begins in the hepatocytes the main type of liver cell. About 3 out of 4 cancers that start in the liver are this type. Most of the information in this article refers to hepatocellular cancer. This type of cancer can have different growth patterns. Some begin as a single tumor that grows larger. Only late in the disease does it spread to other parts of the liver. This type of cancer may also begin in many spots throughout the liver, not as a single tumor. This is most often seen in people with cirrhosis and is the most common pattern seen in the United States. Doctors can figure out the subtypes of hepatocellular cancer...

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Liver cancer

What is liver cancer?Liver cancer is a cancer that starts in the liver. To understand liver cancer, it helps to know about how the normal liver looks and works. The liver is the largest organ inside the body. It lies under your right ribs, just below the right lung. If you were to poke your fingers up under your right ribs, you would almost touch your liver. The liver is shaped like a pyramid and is divided into right and left lobes. Unlike most other organs, the liver gets blood from 2 sources. The hepatic artery supplies the liver with blood that is rich in oxygen. The portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver....

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis of kidney cancerf a patient has symptoms that suggest kidney cancer, the doctor may perform one or more of the following procedures: Physical exam: The doctor checks general signs of health and tests for fever and high blood pressure. The doctor also feels the abdomen and side for tumors. Urine tests: Urine is checked for blood and other signs of disease. Blood tests: The lab checks the blood to see how well the kidneys are working. The lab may check the level of several substances, such as creatinine. A high level of creatinine may mean the kidneys are not doing their job. Surgery: In most cases, based on the results of the CT scan, ultrasound, andx,-rays, the doctor has enough information to recommend surgery to remove part or all of the kidney. A pathologist makes...

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Risk

Kidney Cancer: Who's at Risk? Kidney cancer develops most often in people over 40, but no one knows the exact causes of this disease. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops kidney cancer and another does not. However, it is clear that kidney cancer is not contagious. No one can "catch" the disease from another person. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop kidney cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. Studies have found the following risk factors for kidney cancer: Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor. Cigarette smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop kidney cancer. Cigar smoking also may increase the risk...

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Risk

Risk of kidney cancerKidney cancer develops most often in people over 40, but no one knows the exact causes of this disease. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops kidney cancer and another does not. However, it is clear that kidney cancer is not contagious. No one can "catch" the disease from another person. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop kidney cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. Most people who have these risk factors do not get kidney cancer. On the other hand, most people who do get the disease have no known risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to...

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Treatment

Treatment of kidney cancerBefore starting treatment, a person with kidney cancer might want a second opinion about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it. There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion: The patient's doctor may refer the patient to one or more specialists. At cancer centers, several specialists often work together as a team. The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about nearby treatment centers. A local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school can usually provide the names of specialists. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) offers a list of doctors...

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Treatment of kidney cancer

Treatment of kidney cancerMany people with kidney cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care. They want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices. However, shock and stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything they want to ask the doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an appointment. To help remember what the doctor says, people may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor-to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen. The doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, or the patient may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat kidney cancer include doctors...

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Treatment

Treatment of kidney cancerTo plan the best treatment, the doctor needs to know the stage (extent) of the disease. The stage is based on the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Staging may involve imaging tests such as an ultrasound or a CT scan. The doctor also may use an MRI. For this test, a powerful magnet linked to a computer makes detailed pictures of organs and blood vessels. Doctors describe kidney cancer by the following stages: Stage I is an early stage of kidney cancer. The tumor measures up to 2 3/4 inches (7 centimeters). It is no bigger than a tennis ball. The cancer cells are found only in the kidney. Stage II is also an early stage of kidney cancer, but the tumor measures more than 2 3/4 inches. The cancer...

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