Stage 4 Liver Cancer is a scary diagnosis. What are the chances of survival? In this article, we breakdown Stage 4 Liver Cancer life expectancy rates, from survival rates to survivorship rates.
How to Reduce Your Liver Cancer Diagnosis
The liver is the only organ in your body that can regenerate and heal itself; so, if you want to reduce your chances of a liver cancer diagnosis, reduce how much damage the liver does throughout your life. There are many steps you can take to help maintain a healthy liver, including avoiding alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
Can I Have Liver Cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, about one-fifth of all Americans will get cancer. The mortality rate for many types of cancer is low today due to advancements in treatment. Despite this, liver cancer remains a deadly disease that affects millions of people every year. Liver cancer can be caused by viruses or conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
The 4 Stages of Stage 4 Liver Cancer
Stage 4 liver cancer is the last stage of liver cancer. This stage occurs when tumors have spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and lungs. Stage 4 liver cancer is characterized by an advanced rate of cancer cells that can result in a person’s death within one year.
Have Any of My Symptoms Been Mistaken for Symptoms of Lieuocarcinoma?
Stage 4 liver cancer is one of the most difficult cancers for patients to live with. The disease often presents with symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and yellowing eyes. However, not all of these symptoms are exclusive to liver cancer. For example, jaundice can be caused by other conditions like gallbladder disease. Symptoms that are exclusively associated with this type of cancer include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling in the arms or legs and pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen.
The Worse Stage 4 Liver Cancer Survival Rates
Liver cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the US, and has a survival rate that fluctuates wildly, depending on the stage. Stage 4 liver cancer patients have a survival rate of about 65%, which is an improvement over previous stages, but still very low.
Treatment and Prognosis
The most common cause of liver cancer is cirrhosis, which causes scarring and swelling. The type of treatment stage 4 liver cancer survivors receive depends on the size and location of their tumors. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and a patient’s current health situation are also taken into account when determining how to treat liver cancer.