Expert Warns of Rising Liver Cancer Cases, Stresses Need for Proper Diagnosis

Liver cancer is on the rise globally, posing a significant health threat, according to Professor Dr. Burak Işık, an expert in General Surgery. He issued critical warnings about the disease's potential for silent progression and the complexities of its treatment.

Citing data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer's GLOBOCAN 2024, Prof. Dr. Işık revealed that approximately 843,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with liver cancer, and tragically, 732,000 lost their lives to the disease. While liver cancer is the seventh most frequently diagnosed cancer, its position as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths underscores its particularly deadly nature.

Prof. Dr. Işık also highlighted the widespread issue of fatty liver disease, which affects an estimated 1.7 billion people globally, according to World Health Organization data. Key risk factors for this condition include excess weight, diabetes, regular alcohol consumption, and infections like hepatitis B and C.

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The liver is one of the body's hardest-working organs. Interestingly, even when severely ill, it may show no symptoms for a long time. This is why liver diseases are called 'silent diseases'.

"The liver is one of the body's hardest-working organs. Interestingly, even when severely ill, it may show no symptoms for a long time. This is why liver diseases are called 'silent diseases'," explained Prof. Dr. Işık, emphasizing the insidious nature of these conditions.

Addressing treatment, Prof. Dr. Işık clarified that not every mass or tumor detected in the liver requires surgery. The treatment plan is highly personalized. "Not every mass detected in the liver must be operated on. First, it must be assessed whether the mass is benign or malignant and if it poses a risk to the patient's health. Some benign masses can be regularly monitored without any treatment. However, if the mass grows or causes symptoms, surgical treatment may be considered. The decision for surgical treatment is planned according to the type, number, size of the mass, the functional status of the liver, and its location. In suitable patients, the tumorous part of the liver can be removed; in some cases, a liver transplant is a treatment option."

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Not every mass detected in the liver must be operated on. First, it must be assessed whether the mass is benign or malignant and if it poses a risk to the patient's health.