Does Jaundice Increase the Risk of Liver Cancer and Cirrhosis? How Can It Be Cured?

Jaundice, known by the yellowness of skin and eyes, is more than a noticeable discoloration. It’s also an indication of something wrong with your liver. Dr. Manish Singhal hears a lot of questions as an Oncologist in Noida about whether or not jaundice can cause liver cancer or cirrhosis. In this blog post, we will explore the connections between jaundice, liver cancer, and cirrhosis as well as possible treatments and preventive measures.

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What is Jaundice?

Jaundice happens when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in your blood. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin. But, if this process is interrupted, it can accumulate and cause you to look yellow.

The Connection Between Jaundice and Liver Disease

Jaundice is not a disease itself but rather a sign or symptom of many different diseases – most of which affect the liver. To understand what it means for your overall well-being, we need an in-depth view of how our livers work.

Liver Cancer And Jaundice

Liver cancer (also known as hepatocellular carcinoma) often presents with jaundice. When these cells become cancerous, they stop being able to process bilirubin properly. So levels rise even higher than before – sometimes tumors block bile ducts, which pushes things over the edge.

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Cirrhosis And Jaundice

Another condition called cirrhosis can cause people to become jaundiced because scar tissue replaces healthy areas within our livers. It disrupts the usual flowage system where bile passes through, which results in bilirubins staying longer within the bloodstream and makes us appear yellowish in coloration.

Does Jaundice Increase Risk Of Liver Cancer And Cirrhosis?

No, jaundiced people don’t necessarily have higher chances of developing cancers or cirrhotic diseases themselves. But, as per a Case Study of Cancer Patient in India, these conditions show up as signs or symptoms of other underlying illnesses. 

Risk Factors For Liver Cancer

1. Chronic Hepatitis B & C Infections

When these infections last long, they cause liver damage, which may eventually result in cancers.

2. Cirrhosis

It is a well-known fact already – people with scarring on their livers from various reasons, such as alcoholism, are more likely to get cancer there.

3. Alcohol Abuse

If you drink heavily over many years, then it’s no secret your liver will suffer greatly. It paves the way for cirrhosis and cancer ultimately.

4. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Being obese or having diabetes puts one’s life at risk since non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can progress into cirrhosis over time. It increases the chances of developing cancers.

What Puts You at Risk of Cirrhosis

1. Long-Term Alcohol Misuse

This is the top cause of liver cirrhosis because it involves drinking too much for a prolonged period.

2. Chronic Viral Hepatitis

The most common viral infections that lead to liver cirrhosis are hepatitis B and C.

3. Genetic Disorders

Examples include hemochromatosis (which causes iron to build up in the body) and Wilson’s disease (where copper accumulates in organs like the liver).

4. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

This condition is becoming a major reason for having liver cancer later on as well as developing cirrhosis.

Curing Jaundice: Addressing the Root Cause

The treatment for jaundice depends on its underlying cause. Here’s how different conditions linked to jaundice are managed by a Stomach Cancer Doctor In Noida:

1. Treating Liver Cancer

Surgical Intervention

Surgery can still cure cancer that has not spread outside the liver.

Ablation and Embolization

These techniques heat or freeze tumors or inject substances into blood vessels that block their supply to shrink or die off.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

New drugs can either focus on certain pathways that promote cancer growth or help our immune system recognize these cells better to attack them more effectively.

Chemotherapy

Drugs that kill dividing cells work best when there are many more rapidly growing abnormal cells present than healthy ones. It cannot be cured by surgery alone, so there needs chemotherapy.

2. Managing Cirrhosis

Lifestyle Changes

Stop drinking alcohol and eat healthy to prevent further damage to your liver.

Medications

Various drugs help manage cirrhosis symptoms and complications – for example, diuretics to get rid of excess fluid in the body.

Liver Transplant

If the liver becomes too severely damaged by cirrhosis, it may need to be replaced with a new one.

Treating Underlying Conditions

Cirrhosis can often be halted or even reversed if we treat what caused it in the first place, like chronic viral hepatitis or genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis.

3. Treating Hepatitis

Antiviral Medications

These drugs reduce the amount of virus in your blood. It lowers the chances of getting liver cancer later on because there will be less inflammation over time.

Vaccination

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B prevents you from catching this viral infection that can cause serious liver problems down the line.

Preventive Measures

To prevent jaundice-inducing liver diseases, you can take these steps:

1. Vaccination

Protect yourself against hepatitis B by getting vaccinated early enough.

2. Safe Practices

Never share needles when injecting drugs, and always practice safe sex So as not to expose yourself to HIV, which frequently leads to co-infection with HBV or HCV. 

3. Limit Alcohol Intake

Avoid drinking too much alcohol because it damages cells throughout your body.

4. Healthy Diet and Exercise

Maintain a balanced diet full of nutrients while getting regular physical activity.

5. Regular Check-ups

Go for medical check-ups to detect any liver problems early enough for successful treatment.

Conclusion

Jaundice does not itself increase the probability of cancer but acts as an alarm indicating some underlying problem with your liver. According to Dr. Manish Singhal from CCI, a prominent Cancer Doctor in Noida, it is important to recognize these signs and seek medical attention promptly. So, take control of your health today by looking after this vital organ for tomorrow’s healthy living.