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The gist

Liver function

The liver is one of the largest and most important internal organs, whose main task is processing food and fluids. The liver stores nutrients, removes worn-out cells and waste from the blood. The liver also filters toxins found in medications or alcohol and produces bile, which helps digest fats.

Liver cancer — liver anatomy
Liver cancer – liver anatomy

Metastases

Liver cancer is a disease of two types. In one case, growths appear in the liver itself, while in the other, growths in the liver originate from another cancer site – in other words, metastases in the liver spread from other organs.

In the first case, growths appear in the liver, most often in the main liver cells – hepatocytes – forming a malignant growth in the liver. This disease, also called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most common liver cancer.

Liver cancer – why do we get it?

The most common causes of liver cancer are:

In some cases, fatty liver disease is also listed as a cause of liver cancer, but the causes of this disease are almost identical to those of liver cancer itself: alcohol (toxins), overweight (overeating), fructose (overeating), triglycerides (alcohol, fructose, overeating), high blood glucose (overeating), hepatitis C and hepatitis B [5].

Stages

There are 4 stages of liver cancer [6]:

Stage 1 (very early stage) is divided into 1A stage and 1B stage: The tumor is only in the liver and is single, with a size smaller than 2 cm.

Stage 2 (early stage): there is a single nodule in the liver measuring 5 cm or less, or there are multiple nodules each measuring less than 3 cm. The nodules may have spread into blood vessels.

Stage 3 (intermediate stage) is divided into 3A and 3B stages: At this stage, there may be more than one nodule, each larger than 5 cm. Liver metastases (spread) may involve lymph nodes, large blood vessels, or another organ.

Stage 4 (advanced stage), divided into 4A and 4B stages: Liver cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones, as well as lymph nodes.

Liver cancer – life expectancy

Although life expectancy for liver cancer has significantly increased over the past 20 years, [7], the prognosis for liver cancer is not encouraging.

Life expectancy and prognosis depend on many factors:

The American Cancer Society states that the overall 5-year survival rate for liver cancer is 20% [8].

More detailed life expectancy table.

Can life expectancy be extended in liver cancer?

The prognosis for liver cancer depends not only on the stage or treatment method – the body's ability to fight the disease is an equally important factor. The immune system plays a crucial role: it recognizes altered cells, halts the spread of metastases, and aids recovery after surgical or chemotherapeutic treatment.

Scientific research confirms that certain fungal polysaccharides can enhance the immune response during oncological diseases. These active substances help the body more effectively mobilize defense cells – NK (natural killer) cells and T-lymphocytes – which directly combat tumor progression.

Clinical experience shows that patients who combine standard treatment with immune-supporting supplements more often achieve better response rates. Supplements are not a cure for cancer, but they are used as an adjunctive measure, combined with primary treatment.

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Immune system support in the fight against liver cancer

Lentinan AXT from Zenius Labs™ – an advanced mushroom polysaccharide formula with a clinically researched composition, designed to support the immune system during oncological diseases.

Learn more about Lentinan AXT →

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
In early stages, liver cancer often causes no symptoms. Later, symptoms may include abdominal pain on the right side, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, and general weakness. Regular check-ups are especially important for at-risk groups.
Can the immune system be strengthened during liver cancer?
Yes. Supporting the immune system is especially important because the liver plays a central role in the body's detoxification and immune function. Concentrated mushroom polysaccharide extracts can help activate NK cells and macrophages. It is important to choose a concentrated multi-extract formula such as Lentinan AXT from Zenius Labs™.
What are the main risk factors for liver cancer?
The most common factors are chronic hepatitis B or C, liver cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, and fatty liver disease. Regular check-ups help diagnose the disease at an early stage.
Is liver cancer curable?
When diagnosed early, liver cancer can be successfully treated with surgery or liver transplantation. However, even after treatment, the risk of recurrence remains high, making long-term immune system support with concentrated mushroom polysaccharide formulas especially important.
How can diet help with liver cancer?
A liver-friendly diet is very important. It is recommended to consume high-quality animal fats (eggs, butter, wild fish), plenty of vegetables, and to avoid alcohol, sugar, and processed foods.
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Lentinan

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