Stage 4 Liver Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Complications

Causes of Stage 4 Liver Cancer

Here are some of the causes of these cancer, including:

• Chronic Hepatitis B and C: This is one of the most common and significant risk factors for liver cancer: an infection with the hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus. These viral infections can often cause inflammation in the liver, resulting in cirrhosis, also known as the scarring of the liver tissues, and an increased risk of these types of cancer over time. Studies have shown that getting antiviral treatments can reduce the risk of developing these types of cancers, which do not completely eliminate entirely, particularly in those with advanced liver cancer. 
• Cirrhosis: People with cirrhosis can result from chronic liver conditions such as alcohol consumption, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease, often resulting in cancer in the liver. The liver’s ability to regenerate decreases when cirrhosis progresses, creating an environment where cancerous cells are more likely to develop.
• Non-Alcholic Fatty Liver Disease: This disease is increasingly considered a major risk factor for developing these cancers, and this is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. In severe cases, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can further lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. 
• Genetic Factors: Many studies have suggested that some genetic mutations or inherited genetic conditions like hemochromatosis, which is a disorder that causes iron buildup in the body, might increase the risk of developing these cancers.
• Environmental factors: Certain risk factors, including chemicals like aflatoxins, produced by mold that usually grow on improperly stored grains and nuts, can increase the risk of developing cancer in the liver.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol tends to damage liver cells, which can result in liver cirrhosis and an increased risk of developing these types of cancer. People with chronic alcohol consumption can develop these cancers, and alcohol is considered a direct carcinogen for the development of the majority of cancers.
• Diabetes and obesity: Both obesity and diabetes have been considered risk factors for liver cancer, especially due to their crucial role in the development of fatty liver disease and inflammation within the liver.

Complications

The complications associated with stage 4 liver cancer can be severe and usually life-threatening. These factors often make it crucial to identify and manage them early in people.

Here are the most common complications of stage 4 liver cancer, including:

• Liver failure: When the cancer starts to spread to the liver, it can impair its ability to filter toxins, produce proteins, and regulate blood clotting and often leads to liver failure. 
• Ascites: This is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, often a symptom of advanced liver cancer, and it can cause discomfort and breathing difficulties. 
• Metastasis to other organs: Cancer spreads to other organs like the lungs, bones, or lymph nodes, and it can also cause discomfort and breathing problems.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the liver’s inability to process bilirubin, which is considered a waste product from the blood cells.
• Pain: Advanced liver cancer can cause significant pain from tumors pressing on the nearby tissues. 
• Infection: A weak liver usually makes the body more susceptible to infections, including sepsis. 
• Blood clotting: The liver produces proteins that are essential for blood clotting, so any kinds of liver damage can increase the risk of bleeding and clotting issues in people.