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This section describes the basic functions of the liver.
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This section describes the basic development of cancer in the body and cancer as it
spreads to the liver.
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This section describes the basic symptoms of liver cancer.
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Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenesis is a multistage process that begins when a
carcinogen causes a genetic change or damages the DNA in a normal
cell. This makes the cell more vulnerable to other genetic
changes. This stage is called "initiation." If the process ended here,
and the cancerous cell did not grow and replicate, no cancer would
form.
The next stage of carcinogenesis is called "promotion." This occurs
when the initiated cell is exposed to an agent that enhances its
growth into a larger mass.
When a tumor actually forms, it has all of the same basic needs as
a normal cell. Because the tumor cells are genetically damaged, they
are inefficient and rob normal cells of important oxygen and
nutrients. In addition, a malignant tumor grows uncontrollably and can
eventually interfere with the function of vital organs, such as the
liver.
< Back to Liver Cancer
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