Ulcer that doesn’t go away after treatment may be a symptom of liver cancer

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Chairman of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Heart Researcher Association, dr. Irsan Hasan Sp.Pd, Kgeh reminded to be alert if the stomach ulcer does not go away even though it has been treated because maybe what is felt is a symptom of liver cancer.

“It’s not always easy to distinguish between liver cancer and ulcers,” said Irsan in a health webinar, Tuesday (28/9).

To confirm the actual condition of the patient, further tests such as liver ultrasound, measurement of AFP (Alfa Feto Protein) and PIVKA II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist) are needed. If the patient is suspected of having liver cancer, other additional examination methods to support the diagnosis include liver biopsy, abdominal MRI and abdominal CT-scan.

Also read: Be careful, cancer can appear due to consumption of sugary drinks

Also read: Do you often eat out? beware the risk of cancer

In general, liver cancer is asymptomatic until an advanced stage, but some people can experience abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen, yellowing of the skin and eyes, easy bruising and bleeding and weight loss for no apparent reason.

Irsan said, cancer is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, while ulcer disease disappears and appears. So, if the pain does not go away and gets worse despite treatment, immediately consult a doctor for an ultrasound and endoscopy. One should also be wary of losing weight for no apparent reason.

“If the cancer gets bigger, you lose weight. If you have stomach ulcers and your body is getting thinner, be careful.”

With the number of cases reaching 21,392 people in 2020, liver cancer is one of the most common cancers causing death in Indonesia. Liver cancer is also the 4th leading cause of cancer death in Indonesia with a 5-year prevalence rate of 22,530 cases.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common major types of liver cancer with a poor prognosis (course of disease). In the world, there are about 750,000 people per year diagnosed with liver cell carcinoma (HCC) and generally are at an advanced stage. In Indonesia, the incidence of liver cell carcinoma occurs at 13.4 per 100,000 population.

Liver cancer is at risk for certain people, namely groups of people who have liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis B or hepatitis C. He said patients with chronic liver disease, even though their physical appearance looks fine, should still be monitored and regularly checked before it’s too late. . Liver cancer is also at risk for people who have a genetic history of the disease.

Prevention of liver cancer can also be done with hepatitis vaccination for infants, screening pregnant women to ensure the hepatitis virus is not transmitted to babies. Therefore, the problem of liver cancer in Indonesia is because the level of hepatitis is also high. The Indonesian Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to prevent early transmission of hepatitis or inflammation of the liver (liver), which is currently estimated to have around 18 million cases.

As many as 2.5 million people are people with Hepatitis C. Elimination of Hepatitis from mother to child is targeted to be achieved by 2022. Meanwhile, the elimination of Hepatitis B and C is targeted to be achieved by 2030.

Hepatitis B and C are risk factors for liver cell carcinoma, accounting for 90 percent of primary liver cancer cases. In Indonesia, the incidence of liver cell carcinoma occurs at 13.4 per 100,000 population. Liver cell carcinoma associated with hepatitis B infection as much as 60 percent, while those associated with infection C as much as 20 percent.

If vaccination has been carried out properly, maintaining a lifestyle becomes the next step. Fatty foods and obesity should be avoided, as well as sedentary activity.

Also read: Can patients with impaired liver function get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Also read: Knowing liver cancer, the killer in silence

Also read: The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of early screening for liver cancer

Reporter: Nanien Yuniar
Editor: Alviansyah Pasaribu
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA 2021

–