HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of primary liver cancer that originates in the cells of the liver known as hepatocytes. It is the most common type of liver cancer and accounts for approximately 80% of all liver cancer cases. HCC typically occurs in individuals with underlying liver disease, such as cirrhosis caused by chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain genetic disorders.
This malignant tumor develops when hepatocytes undergo uncontrolled growth and form a mass within the liver. If left untreated, the tumor can spread to nearby tissues and organs, including blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other areas of the liver. In advanced stages, HCC can also metastasize to distant sites, such as the lungs and bones.
Common symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma include abdominal pain or discomfort, unintentional weight loss, lack of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, and swelling in the abdomen or legs. However, in its early stages, HCC may not present with any noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose.
Treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma depend on several factors including the size and location of the tumor, the liver's overall function, and the patient's overall health. They may include surgical removal of the tumor, liver transplantation, local therapies (such as radiofrequency ablation or transarterial chemoembolization), targeted drug therapies, and in some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Regular surveillance and close monitoring of individuals at high risk for developing HCC is essential for early detection and improved prognosis.
Common Misspellings for HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
- gepatocellular carcinoma
- bepatocellular carcinoma
- nepatocellular carcinoma
- jepatocellular carcinoma
- uepatocellular carcinoma
- yepatocellular carcinoma
- hwpatocellular carcinoma
- hspatocellular carcinoma
- hdpatocellular carcinoma
- hrpatocellular carcinoma
- h4patocellular carcinoma
- h3patocellular carcinoma
- heoatocellular carcinoma
- helatocellular carcinoma
- he-atocellular carcinoma
- he0atocellular carcinoma
- hepztocellular carcinoma
- hepstocellular carcinoma
- hepwtocellular carcinoma
Etymology of HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
The word hepatocellular carcinoma is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
1. Hepato- comes from the Greek word hepar meaning liver.
2. Cellular is derived from the Latin word cellula meaning small room or small compartment.
3. Carcinoma comes from the Greek word karkinos meaning crab and the Latin suffix -oma meaning tumor.
Therefore, hepatocellular carcinoma literally means a tumor of the liver's small compartments.
