Liver cancer and liver cirrhosis

Experts call for screening for hepatitis B and C

08/24/2013

People who have been infected with hepatitis B or C viruses often do not notice this. Liver cancer and cirrhosis are often due to infections with hepatitis B or C viruses. Liver experts therefore demand routine tests to detect the hidden infections.

Up to one million with hepatitis
Experts estimate that up to one million people around the country suffer from infection with the hepatitis B or C virus. „Hepatitis B and C are notifiable for laboratory and doctor. But you can only report an infection if it is recognized, "says Heiner Wedemeyer of the Hannover Medical School (MHH) .The infection is often undetected, especially among migrants, with some typical symptoms at the onset, such as fever, body aches, nausea or fatigue are often perceived as a suspected influenza infection, but even such warning signs sometimes do not appear for years, although elevated liver values ​​may sometimes be seen during routine examinations, „which is often ignored, "says Deutsche Leberhilfe.

Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer
If the infections remain undetected, they could lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Especially with cirrhosis, an early diagnosis is particularly important, since already occurred damage could not be reversed. Although an internist may stop the destruction of the liver, liver cirrhosis is not curable, according to most doctors. For sufferers, a balanced and vitamin-rich diet and abstinence from alcohol is important. In addition, a promotion of bowel movements is recommended to rid the body of toxins.

Germany has catching up to do
„As far as research on hepatitis is concerned, Germany is in the spotlight. But in terms of care and infection detection, we have some catching up to do compared to other countries. In France, for example, for every patient who comes to the doctor for years, the liver values ​​and the presence of hepatitis viruses are controlled. "The liver values ​​Although not all of those affected increases, in this way, but at least a part of Therefore, according to Wedemeyer, the liver controls should be integrated into any examinations that are required anyway: „In addition, a special virus test should be performed for patients who belong to risk groups. "

Various risk groups
People who belong to these risk groups are, for example, injecting drug users, in which not only the needles, but also other accessories could transmit the viruses. In addition, migrants are at risk. Patients who received a blood transfusion until 1999 also belong to the circle of the endangered, because only since then a blood donation study for the hepatitis C virus has become obligatory for blood donation services. The risk of sexual infection is minimal in the case of the hepatitis C virus, but higher in the case of the hepatitis B virus. The Deputy Chairman of the German Liver Foundation, Professor Stefan Zeuzem, regrets the ignorance of most infected people. „There is a widespread ignorance about contagion paths and healing prospects.“

Routine investigation required
The German liver aid and the action alliance hepatitis and drug use demand in an action plan a better screening, in order to recognize infections early. Independent liver experts such as Reinhart Zachoval of the University of Munich or the President of the Federal Association of Internal Medicine, Wolfgang Wesiack, also support the screening. „At the moment, people infected with the hepatitis B or C virus are more likely to be discovered by accident. According to Zachoval, liver cancer is now the fifth most common cancer in the world, and the number of people affected is rising in Germany as well. "Wesiack on the screening idea:" Only by the routine examination of the liver values ​​and possibly by additional virus tests. „Effort and yield, however, must be reasonably proportionate. The liver values ​​should be examined as routinely as possible, which is relatively favorable. I would only make an expensive virus test if the conversation with the patient provides appropriate information. "

Task Force for Action Plan
Wedemeyer explains: „So far, the determination of the liver values ​​is not even part of the check-up 35, although this costs only very little per patient. The determination of the liver values ​​would be very important also in connection with the fatty liver and the metabolic syndrome.“ There are drugs that can keep the hepatitis B virus at bay and thus completely prevent liver cell cancer and cirrhosis. The liver expert hopes that even with hepatitis C, the therapy will improve in the next few years. In certain hepatitis C infections in 2014, a therapy should be possible without the often side-causing drug Interferon Alpha. However, it is not enough just to improve the effectiveness of the medication. „We need a task force, "says Wedemeyer, „which consistently implements our action plan. "(ad)

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