The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body that sits in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm and on top of the stomach. The liver is dark and reddish-brown in color and weighs about 3 pounds.
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The liver is very important and is saddled with many responsibilities. It regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. Some functions of the liver include:
· It produces the bile which aids in the emulsification of fat.
· It produces certain proteins for blood plasma.
· The liver produces cholesterol which helps to carry fats all through the body.
· The liver aids in the conversion of excess glucose to glycogen for storage. It also converts glycogen back to glucose for energy.
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· It regulates the level of amino acids in the blood.
· The liver processes hemoglobin for use of its iron content.
· It carries out the detoxification process of the body. It clears drugs and other poisonous substances from the blood.
· The liver aids in regulating blood clotting.
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When the liver has broken down harmful substances, it’s by-products are excreted into the bile or blood. The liver is delicate and can be affected. One of the major diseases that affect the liver is liver cancer. Liver cancer is a cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. It occurs when the cells of the liver begins to multiply abnormally. It is the distorted multiplication of liver cells.
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Many types of cancer can form in the liver but the most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer occurs in stages which are stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4. Cancer can begin in one part of the body and spread to the liver.
When you have liver cancer there are certain signs your body will begin to give you. Some people do not experience these signs and symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. Some of the common signs and symptoms of liver cancer include:
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· Loss of weight.
· Loss of appetite.
· Upper abdominal pain.
· Nausea and vomiting.
· General weakness and fatigue.
· Abdominal swelling.
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· White, chalky stools.
· Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes ( jaundice).
· Back pain.
· Itching.
· Fever.
When you have liver cancer, you might also experience swollen veins that are visible under the abdominal skin as well as bruising and bleeding. Please try and make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
There are certain things that increase your chances of developing liver cancer. There are called risk factors. Some of the risk factors for liver cancer include:
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1. Cirrhosis.
2. Diabetes.
3. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
4. Excessive alcohol consumption.
5. Exposure to aflatoxins.
6. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus.
7. Obesity.
8. Smoking.
9. Gender.
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Your diet and lifestyle plays a great role in your development of liver cancer. What you eat can go a long way to influence your chances of developing liver cancer. If you care for your life and want to live long, please avoid excessive intake of these 3 things because there can cause liver cancer.
1. Alcohol
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Excessive intake of alcohol is not good for the body and can cause serious health complications. When you take too much alcohol, it leads to liver cirrhosis which is a serious risk factor for liver cancer. Excessive intake of alcohol can damage your liver alongside your kidney. Please limit the amount of alcohol you take if you care for your liver and want to live long.
2. Smoking
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Research has shown that both current and former smokers have a higher risk of liver cancer than people who have never smoked. Many people believe smoking only affects the lungs but this is not true. Smoking tobacco can increase your risk of developing liver cancer hence avoid it.
3. Sugar
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Excessive intake of sugar is not good for your healthy and can cause liver cirrhosis. When you take too much sugar, it can lead to diabetes which is also a serious risk factor for liver cancer. People with diabetes especially if there also have hepatitis or regularly consume a lot of alcohol are more likely to develop liver cancer. Please limit your intake of sugar for the sake of your health.
There is no sure way to prevent liver cancer completely but there are certain things you can do that will reduce your chances of developing it. Some of the measures you can take include:
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1. Limit your intake of alcohol.
2. Limit tobacco use.
3. Avoid imprudence with sex.
4. Maintain a good hygiene.
5. Always eat a balanced diet.
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