LIVER CANCER: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Early diagnosis of cancer plays a crucial role in determining prognosis and treatment efficacy. When cancer is identified in its early stages, the chances of therapeutic success increase significantly, and mortality can be drastically reduced. This is because, in the early stages, the tumor is usually localized and has not yet spread to other parts of the body, allowing for less aggressive and more effective interventions. Liver cancer, in turn, is a malignant neoplasm that originates from liver cells, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common subtype. This type of cancer has a high mortality rate and is a major public health problem in several regions of the world, especially in developing countries. The risk factors associated with liver cancer have been widely studied, and their understanding is essential for the development of prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and appropriate management of the disease. This literature review gathered articles published in the last five years in the PUBMED and SciELO databases with the aim of identifying the risk factors related to the development of liver cancer.