What are the causes of liver cancer?

In general, liver cancer may be caused by factors such as genetic predisposition, poor dietary habits, schistosomiasis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Genetics

Liver cancer exhibits a certain degree of familial clustering. Some inherited diseases or genetic mutations may increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Individuals with a family history of liver cancer should undergo regular screening for early detection and treatment.

2. Poor Dietary Habits

Long-term consumption of foods contaminated with aflatoxins—such as moldy peanuts and corn—may lead to liver cancer. It is important to pay attention to food safety and avoid eating spoiled or moldy food.

3. Schistosomiasis

Prolonged exposure to water sources contaminated with schistosomes in outdoor environments may result in schistosomiasis. The deposition of schistosome eggs in the liver can trigger granulomatous inflammation and fibrotic reactions, damaging liver tissue structure and potentially leading to liver cancer. Symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, and hepatosplenomegaly. Treatment may include medications such as praziquantel tablets, albendazole tablets, or co-artemether tablets, as prescribed by a physician.

4. Hepatitis

Hepatitis may result from chronic alcohol abuse, viral infections, or immune system abnormalities. Prolonged viral stimulation of the liver leads to repeated injury and repair of liver cells, which may eventually progress to liver cancer. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain in the liver area. Medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, compound softshell turtle shell tablets, or ursodeoxycholic acid tablets may be used under medical supervision.

5. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is primarily caused by alcohol intoxication, viral infections, or exposure to chemical irritants. Severe structural damage to the liver due to cirrhosis may lead to abnormal cell proliferation and mutations during the process of regeneration and repair, ultimately resulting in liver cancer. Typical symptoms include jaundice, ascites, and splenomegaly. Treatments may include entecavir tablets, sofosbuvir tablets, or diammonium glycyrrhizinate capsules, as recommended by a doctor.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and consuming a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables containing essential vitamins and minerals can help prevent the development of liver cancer.