C22.0

Clinical Causes: Chronic hepatitis B or C infection Cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol abuse or other factors Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Exposure to aflatoxins (toxins from certain molds found in food) Family history of liver cancer Certain inherited metabolic diseases such as hemochromatosis Long-term exposure to toxins or chemicals

Key Symptoms: Unintended weight loss Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort Swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Nausea or vomiting A lump or mass in the upper right portion of the abdomen Weakness and fatigue Loss of appetite

Diagnosis Path: The diagnosis of liver cell carcinoma typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory studies: - **Blood tests** to check liver function and tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - **Imaging scans**, including ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to visualize the liver and detect tumors - **Biopsy**, where a small sample of liver tissue is examined microscopically to confirm malignancy - Additional tests may include blood clotting studies and assessments of liver cirrhosis severity

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options depend on the size, number, location of tumors, overall liver function, and the patient’s health status: - **Surgical resection**, where the tumor and part of the liver are removed if feasible - **Liver transplantation** for eligible candidates, offering the chance to remove both the tumor and underlying disease - **Local ablative therapies** such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave thermotherapy - **Transarterial therapies**, including chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization, to cut off blood supply to the tumor - **Targeted drug therapies** like sorafenib for advanced cases - **Symptom management** and supportive care to improve quality of life The prognosis varies based on early detection and the extent of disease at diagnosis.