Can hepatitis B lead to liver cancer?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 28, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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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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Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
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Can primary liver cancer patients eat eggs?

Patients with primary liver cancer can also eat eggs, as there are no specific prohibitions against it. Eggs are a high-protein food. While many people worry that eating eggs might increase the burden on the liver, there is actually no need for concern. If a patient has a good appetite and can eat well, consuming some eggs to increase protein intake can help enhance body resistance and support antitumor treatment. In addition to eggs, liver cancer patients should also consume other high-quality proteins such as fish and protein powder. These are all beneficial. Of course, the choice should also be based on the patient's own preferences. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Zhang Yan Kai
Family Medicine
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What should someone with advanced liver cancer eat if they have no appetite?

In the late stages of liver cancer, loss of appetite may be related to gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by widespread metastasis of cancer cells. If loss of appetite occurs, it is first recommended to try eating orally as much as possible, and consuming rice porridge or noodle soup to increase nutrition. If there is still no appetite, nutritional support can be provided through parenteral nutrition, such as using nutritional elements and substances for intravenous treatment. If the results are not satisfactory, medication can be administered through a central venous catheter for better outcomes.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What are the symptoms on the face in the early stages of liver cancer?

In early-stage liver cancer patients, symptoms generally do not appear on their faces. This is because the tumors in early liver cancer are small, the lesions are localized, with shallow infiltration, no invasion of surrounding tissues or metastasis to distant organs, and thus, less damage to liver cells. Therefore, most cases do not show obvious symptoms clinically. Only when the lesions progress further do symptoms of disease dissemination appear in patients. These symptoms include persistent pain in the liver area, a significant decrease in appetite, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Some patients may also experience symptoms of metastatic lesions, such as pain in bone metastases, headache, vomiting, hemiplegia, and aphasia in brain metastases, and cough, breathing difficulties, and chest pain in lung metastases.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
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Late-stage liver cancer vomiting is what symptom?

Patients with advanced liver cancer have no signs before vomiting. If patients with advanced liver cancer experience vomiting, it is often accompanied by other symptoms. For example, some patients may experience diarrhea and body wasting due to loss of appetite, and the nature of the vomiting can vary. Some may vomit food, while others may vomit blood. If the vomit contains blood, it is urgent to consult a doctor promptly for targeted prevention and treatment.