Did you know? The liver is one of the hardest working organs in our body, yet it is often overlooked. That's what a patient who has been battling liver cancer once said to me. His experience reminded me of the importance of liver health and reminded us that liver cancer is not unpreventable. In fact, the liver is our body's chemical factory, responsible for detoxification, making important proteins, storing energy, and its health directly affects our quality of life.
However, liver cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer". Many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, but that doesn't mean liver cancer can't be detected early. Early liver cancer often has no obvious symptoms, so regular check-ups become crucial. Understanding the key indicators of liver health and having a physical examination in time can greatly improve the chances of early detection of liver cancer.
Liver cancer, a disease that is often difficult to detect in the early stages, is usually at an advanced stage once it is detected. However, by being alert to early signs, we can raise awareness of preparedness against this deadly disease. Symptoms of early-stage liver cancer may include:
Mild abdominal discomfort: Mild and persistent abdominal pain, especially in the upper right abdomen.
Decreased appetite and weight loss: loss of appetite and rapid weight loss for no apparent reason.
Jaundice: and yellowing of the eyes, usually caused by abnormal liver function.
Fatigue: Unusual, persistent fatigue unrelated to daily activities.
The occurrence of liver cancer is often related to a variety of factors, the most common of which include:
Chronic hepatitis: Long-term hepatitis virus infections, such as hepatitis B or C, are the leading cause of liver cancer.
Alcoholic liver disease: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption causes ongoing damage to the liver.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: associated with obesity, abnormal glucose metabolism, and hypersystemic arterial hypertension.
Family history and genetic factors: Family presence or genetic predisposition to liver cancer increases the risk of liver cancer.
Liver Health Indicators: Is Your Liver Good?
ALT and AST: elevated levels of these two enzymes usually reflect hepatocellular damage.
Total protein and albumin: low levels may indicate impaired hepatic synthetic function.
Bilirubin: high levels may indicate abnormal hepatic excretion.
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein): Significant elevations of AFP are common in patients with liver cancer, but can also be seen in other liver diseases.
These tests can be done with routine physical examinations and are especially important for people at risk of liver disease. Having these tests done regularly, even in the absence of obvious symptoms, can greatly increase the likelihood of early detection of liver cancer.
The liver is the "chemical factory" in our body and is responsible for a variety of physiological functions. But it is silent, and even if it is damaged, it rarely raises the alarm. Therefore, regular liver health check-ups are a key tool to detect problems early.
Why is regular check-ups important?
Early detection, early stage**: Many liver diseases, including liver cancer, tend to have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Regular physical examinations can help detect abnormalities early and improve the results.
Monitor disease progression: For patients with pre-existing liver disease, regular physical examinations can monitor disease progression and efficacy.
Recommended check-up items:
Blood tests: including liver function tests (ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, etc.) and tumor markers (e.g., AFP).
Imaging examination: B-ultrasound, CT or MRI can observe the structure of the liver and detect abnormalities such as liver tumors in time.
Viral testing: For hepatitis B and C virus carriers, viral load testing is done regularly.
It is recommended to work with your doctor to develop a health check-up plan that suits you based on your health status and family medical history.
Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet: Ensure adequate intake of protein, vitamins and minerals, while limiting high-sugar and high-fat foods to avoid overburdening the liver.
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can damage liver cells, and long-term excessive alcohol consumption is an important cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer
Weight management: Obesity is a risk factor for fatty liver and hepatitis. Moderate exercise can help control weight and reduce the burden on the liver.
Enhance physical fitness: Regular exercise can improve the overall health of the body and enhance the liver's ability to repair itself.
Healthy habits: Don't smoke: Toxins in tobacco can damage the liver.
Avoid drug abuse: Some drugs are toxic to the liver and should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Through these measures, we can effectively protect liver health and prevent the occurrence of liver diseases. Remember, maintaining liver health is a long-term task that requires our constant attention and effort.