Is primary liver cancer hereditary?

Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
Updated on November 24, 2024
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Primary liver cancer is usually not hereditary, but the reason why it tends to appear in families in China is mainly due to the widespread infection of hepatitis B virus, which then leads to a significant correlation with hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. It is well known that the hepatitis B virus is contagious and can easily be transmitted within families and from mother to child. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see several cases of liver cancer within the same family, indicating a familial aggregation. Another factor is related to dietary habits, for example, the infection of aflatoxin, which is mainly found in moldy peanuts. If the dietary habits within a family are similar, then, of course, the likelihood of occurrence is certainly higher.

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Early symptoms of primary liver cancer

Primary liver cancer often shows no obvious symptoms in its early stages. It may present symptoms similar to indigestion, hepatitis, etc. For example, there might be slight discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen, aversion to oil, or loss of appetite. Generally, regular health check-ups are needed, including imaging studies of the liver such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Liver function tests and tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) should also be performed. In most cases of primary liver cancer, AFP levels will be elevated. Combined with imaging studies, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. A definitive diagnosis requires liver biopsy or confirmation through pathology after surgery.

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Why can't people with liver cancer drink milk?

Liver cancer patients are generally advised not to drink milk, particularly in cases of advanced liver cancer where there is a potential for hepatic encephalopathy. This is because, for patients in the late stages of liver cancer, liver function is compromised, and some may already exhibit symptoms indicative of pre-hepatic encephalopathy. Consuming a diet rich in protein can easily trigger hepatic encephalopathy, and since milk is high in protein, its consumption is usually limited or avoided in such patients. However, for the majority of liver cancer patients, drinking milk is permissible as it not only contains abundant protein but also rich calcium, which is beneficial for the recovery of liver cancer patients. Most liver cancer patients have hypoalbuminemia (low levels of protein in the blood) and some also have hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood), thus the intake of calcium and protein-rich foods can be very beneficial for their recovery.

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Can hepatitis B lead to liver cancer?

Hepatitis B can cause chronic infection in the body, which may damage liver cells and potentially lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Therefore, in cases of hepatitis B virus infection, it is necessary to regularly check liver function and hepatitis B virus DNA. If abnormal transaminase levels are found, timely liver-protective and enzyme-lowering treatments should be administered. If the hepatitis B virus DNA reaches a certain level, antiviral treatment should be initiated to potentially slow the progression of hepatitis B developing into liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Additionally, carriers of the hepatitis B virus or patients with hepatitis B should take care to rest adequately, avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late, abstain from alcohol, and maintain a light, digestible diet.

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Is primary liver cancer hereditary?

The occurrence of tumors is related to multiple factors including genetics, environment, and the lifestyle habits of the patient. Therefore, primary liver cancer does have a genetic component. If parents, siblings, grandparents, etc., have a history of liver cancer, the offspring of such patients might have a higher probability of developing liver cancer compared to the general population. However, it's not absolute, as it also depends on other factors like environment, personal dietary habits, lifestyle habits, whether one has hepatitis, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and other similar factors. Thus, those with a family history of liver cancer are likely to have a higher risk of developing the condition and should be more vigilant about disease screening. Screening should be more frequent than for the general population, but this is not an absolute rule.

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Liver cancer B-ultrasound manifestations

Generally speaking, for diseases of the hepatobiliary system, most of us conduct examinations using ultrasound because it is very convenient, safe, involves no radiation, and the results are relatively quick. Generally, liver cancer can appear as hypoechoic, hyperechoic, or mixed echogenicity on ultrasound. Most such liver cancer nodules may have a complete capsule, but some may not have a complete capsule. Overall, this type of liver cancer tends to grow expansively and invasively, compressing the surrounding normal liver tissue, and possibly showing some halo signs around it. The vast majority of liver cancers do not occur independently; they usually develop gradually from cirrhosis. Therefore, there is often an enlargement of the portal vein, and in some cases of liver cancer with metastasis, thrombosis in the portal vein can be seen.