There are several types of liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatoblastoma. In general, liver cancer refers to hepatocellular carcinoma (disease code: C220). This is because this cancer originating from hepatocytes accounts for the majority of liver cancers.
The National Health Insurance Corporation announced the health insurance treatment status of hepatocellular carcinoma from 2017 to 2021 using health insurance treatment data. In 2021, the total number of liver cancer patients will be 80,853. Among them, 64,525, or 79.8%, were found to be hepatocellular carcinoma patients. This is an increase of 5,485 people (9.3%) from 59,040 people in 2017, and the average annual increase rate is 2.2%.
When looking at the number of HCC patients in 2021 by gender, there were 49,677 (77%) males and 14,848 (23%) females, far more male than female. By age group, those in their 60s accounted for the most with 36.7% (23,710 people), followed by those in their 70s with 26.3% (16,976 people) and those in their 50s with 19.9% (12,861 people).
What will happen if hepatocellular carcinoma is not treated? Professor Choi Jong-won of the Department of Gastroenterology at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital said, “Due to deterioration of liver function, complications such as ascites, jaundice, and bleeding can occur, which can lead to death.” The following is what Professor Choi Jong-won explained about hepatocellular carcinoma.
The main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatitis virus infection, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are known to be the causes. △Hepatitis virus infection is caused by hepatitis B and C viruses to cause cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cirrhosis is the most important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma regardless of the cause of cirrhosis. The annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with cirrhosis is known to be 1 to 6%. △Alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can also cause cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Main symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma
Symptoms appear slowly and are often unknown in the early stages. In the early stages, it is difficult to differentiate it from other diseases because it mainly complains of non-specific symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss, abdominal pain, digestive disorders, and abdominal bloating. If there are obvious symptoms, most of the cases are already advanced. As hepatocellular carcinoma progresses, the liver enlarges and is palpable in the abdomen, and as the liver function deteriorates, ascites or jaundice may occur. Occasionally, hepatocellular carcinoma on the surface of the liver causes massive hemorrhage, causing sudden and severe abdominal swelling, leading to a state of shock where blood pressure drops sharply.
How to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is often associated with chronic liver disease. In particular, since hepatitis B and C viruses are the main cause, prevention of viral infection can prevent hepatocellular carcinoma. △Hepatitis B virus infection accounts for a large proportion of maternal and child infections. In order to suppress this, management during childbirth is important. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus should be administered even after childbirth. Since a vaccine has not yet been developed for the hepatitis C virus, efforts should be made to block transmission routes such as unclean needles and needles. △In addition, if you practice lifestyle changes such as drinking habits, eating habits, and exercise, you can prevent alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and even hepatocellular carcinoma.
Photo = National Health Insurance