Liver cancer in Mexico.

Mexico ranks second in liver cancer mortality worldwide, with over 5,000 deaths per year. According to the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that 8,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer in Mexico every year. The mortality rate is high, ranging between 80% and 85%. Furthermore, an increase in the number of cases is anticipated, as it is often identified at very advanced stages. In 2018, malignant liver tumors were the fourth leading cause of death among all cancer types in Mexico, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory. In 2020, they rose to third place. One of the main risk factors for developing this disease is having fatty liver, a condition linked to overweight and obesity. More than 70% of the Mexican population does not maintain a healthy weight. The risk is therefore high among Mexicans.

Liver cancer in Latin America.

A study conducted in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay reveals that the etiology behind hepatocellular carcinoma has changed over the past few years. The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases have increased nearly sixfold, whereas the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates have dropped by half.

Brazil was the country that contributed the highest number of patients (n = 191), followed by Argentina (n = 98), Chile (n = 49), Mexico (n = 12), Peru (n = 11), and Uruguay (n = 9).

Chronic hepatitis C infection stood out as the predominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (37%), followed by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which accounted for 25% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (17%). However, the group noted that cases of hepatocellular carcinoma attributable to hepatitis C virus dropped from 48% in 2005-2006 to 26% in 2011-2012. On the other hand, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rose from 1.8% to 12.8% during the same time period, representing the third cause of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liver cancer worldwide.

Over 800,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer each year worldwide. Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for over 700,000 deaths each year.

Liver cancer (LC) is much less common in the Western world than in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. In these continents, the incidence is so high that, when combined, it is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with 1 million new cases each year. In Europe, a higher incidence is seen in Portugal, Greece, and Spain compared to the rest of the countries.

In the US and Europe, it accounts for only 0.75% of all tumors, whereas in South Africa that number jumps to 20%. In regions where it is prevalent, the onset age is younger, whereas in areas with low incidence, it occurs later, usually around the age of 60. It is 4 to 8 times more common in men than in women.

Symptoms.

Symptoms of liver cancer can include:

• Discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side.
• Swollen abdomen.
• A hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage.
• Pain near the right shoulder blade or in the back.
• Jaundice (yellowish skin and whites of eyes).
• Frequent bruising or bleeding.
• Unusual fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Treatments

Surgery: A procedure in which doctors remove cancerous tissue.

Chemotherapy: Special drugs are used to shrink or kill cancer cells. These medications can come in the form of oral tablets or injections administered into your veins, or in some cases, both methods may be used.

Radiation therapy: High-energy rays (similar to X-rays) are used to kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy: It refers to the use of medications to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. These medications can be taken orally as tablets or administered intravenously. Tests will be conducted to determine if targeted therapy is suitable for your type of cancer before this treatment is administered.

Immunotherapy: Drugs are used to help a person’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.