What does HCC mean in MEDICAL PHYSICS

Common symptoms of HCC can include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), appetite loss, nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs or lymph nodes.

Exposure to certain risk factors may increase one's chances of developing HCC. These risk factors include chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol consumption or fat buildup in your liver (fatty liver disease), diabetes, family history of inherited liver diseases such as hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease, and long-term use of certain medications including anabolic steroids and oral contraceptives.

Diagnosing HCC typically involves a combination of laboratory tests such as imaging scans like CT scans or MRI scans and blood tests to check for elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) which could indicate cancer growth in some cases. Other tests such as biopsies may also be used to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment options for HCC depend on a variety of factors such as tumor size and location, medical history, and preference. Common treatments include surgery to remove tumors in localized cases; radiation therapy; chemotherapy; targeted drug therapies; ablative therapies which destroy cancerous tissue without surgery; immunotherapy drugs that help fight against specific types of cancers; and biological therapies which work by boosting the body's own immune system against cancers.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all instances of HCC, there are certain steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk including avoiding contact with chemicals known to cause liver damage; regularly monitoring your health if you have chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection or cirrhosis; practicing safe sex; avoiding excessive alcohol consumption; eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals; exercising regularly; quitting smoking if necessary; getting vaccinated against hepatitis B virus if you haven't already done so; limiting exposure to environmental toxins when possible.