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Know and avoid the following risks to the liver
Diseases of the liver can be due to different factors, often the lifestyle has a high impact. We should think more often about our liver and minimize the risks as much as possible, according to the current advice of the German Liver Foundation.
"Malignant tumors are the second leading cause of death in Germany," reports the Liver Foundation. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the fifth most common carcinomas in the world. However, the risk of a liver cancer can be significantly reduced by a few simple measures, according to the statement of the Foundation on the occasion of the 18th German Liver Day on 20 November. This is organized by the German Liver Foundation, the German Liver Assistance and the Gastro League.
The risk of liver disease should urgently be paid more attention, according to the latest communication from the German Liver Foundation on the occasion of the German Liver Day. (Image: magicmine / fotolia.com) Most liver diseases are discovered late
According to the data of the German Liver Foundation, "seven out of ten liver cell cancer diseases are discovered only in already advanced stages" and in Germany about 8,200 new cases are diagnosed each year. Almost as high is the number of deaths. However, hepatocellular carcinoma can only be cured if it is discovered and treated early. An early diagnosis is therefore crucial for the survival of those affected.
Liver cancer usually arises from liver cirrhosis
According to the experts, liver cell cancer usually develops on the basis of liver cirrhosis, which develops after a long-standing liver disease. In liver cirrhosis, the healthy, active liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue, which can not take on the diverse metabolic tasks of healthy liver tissue. The cancer then forms directly from the liver cells.
Causes of liver damage
"The causes of liver cirrhosis and the resulting liver cell cancer are manifold," reports the German Liver Foundation. In addition to alcohol abuse and chronic viral infections with hepatitis B viruses or hepatitis C viruses, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLs) are increasingly among the risk factors, according to the experts. Recently, the German Liver Foundation has reported that many children already suffer from fatty liver. Other possible causes of liver damage with subsequent liver cell disease are diabetes mellitus, hereditary metabolic diseases and mold in the diet
Blood test and ultrasound
In addition, it is critical for liver cirrhosis that sufferers often have no symptoms in the initial stage. According to the experts, ultrasound examinations and the determination of liver enzymes in the blood are suitable for determining possible liver damage. "When determining the liver values, increased GPT levels may indicate inflammation or infection of the liver," explains Professor. Peter R. Galle from the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Therefore, it is important, "that is thought in accordance with the motto of this year's liver day in routine tests on the liver and liver enzymes."
Very few patients with cirrhosis of the liver have completely unremarkable transaminases (GTP liver enzymes, etc.), but normal liver enzymes do not always rule out chronic liver disease. Bile. In case of a specific suspicion of infection with hepatitis viruses, a check is generally recommended.
Liver diseases often preventable
"The various risk factors for cirrhosis show that liver disease can be avoided or cured in many cases," says the German Liver Foundation. For example, vaccination can protect against hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C can be cured in almost all patients, and a healthy diet and exercise can help to reduce the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the early stages.
Treat causative disease and eliminate risk factors
For an alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) is to abstain from alcohol and any existing addiction should be treated, reports the German Liver Foundation. In particular, if liver cirrhosis has already been diagnosed, liver damaging factors must be eliminated. "Any treatment for cirrhosis of the liver is only successful if the causative disorder is treated and all risk factors are eliminated," says Professor Galle. (Fp)