Liver Cancer
Liver
cancer :
The liver is a common site of metastases
from a variety of organs such as lung, breast, colon and
rectum. When liver metastases occur at the time of initial diagnosis of
the primary tumor, they are
described as synchronous. If detected after the initial diagnosis, they
are described as
metachronous. The liver is frequently involved since it receives blood
from the abdominal organs
via the portal vein. Malignant cells detach from the primary cancer, enter
the bloodstream or
lymphatic channels, travel to the liver, and grow independently. We do not
understand the
mechanism of how a tumor cell can leave the primary site and grow in
specific organs. Potentially,
the environment of the liver is suitable to the growth of certain tumor
cells. Once a tumor begins
to grow in the liver, it receives its blood supply from the hepatic
artery.
What is
Liver Cancer?
There
are two main kinds of liver cancer. Heptoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
Heptoma is cancer of
the hepatocytes. (The main functioning liver cell). Hepatoma is primary
liver cancer. Hepatoma
usually grows in the liver as a ball-like tumor, invading the normal
tissue surrounding it. A history of
infection with the hepatitis B virus puts individuals at risk of
developing heptoma.
Cancer of the bile duct cells is called cholangiocarcinoma.
Cholangiocarcinoma originates in the bile
ducts and is often caused by infestation with the liver fluke Clonorchis
(a parasite). Most cases of
liver cancer are actually cancers that started in another organ. This is
called metastases. Because
of its very high blood flow and many biological functions, the liver is
one of the most common
places for metastases to grow. Tumors that originally arise in the colon,
pancreas, stomach, lung
or breast can spread to the liver.
What is “Cancer”
Insurance?
Cancer insurance
provides benefits only if you get cancer. If yes, then Cancer policies
sold today
vary widely in cost and coverage. If you decide to purchase a cancer
insurance policy, contact
different companies and agents, and compare the policies before you buy.
Cancer insurance is
sometimes referred to as a specified disease or dreaded disease policy.
It is also necessary if you
are considering the purchase of cancer insurance or other specified
disease type coverage, it is a
good idea to carefully review your current health insurance policies.
Before going for cancer
insurance you should make it clear from agent or company that all
expenses will be covered by
policy or only hospital costs will be bared by cancer insurance policy.
Many cancer insurance
policies have fixed cost limits. Cancer insurance is not a substitute for
comprehensive coverage. |
