“Relationship between hepatitis B and liver cancer”
Hepatitis B, a term that we are not familiar with, worries many patients and their families, the most frightening of which is the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer. However, having hepatitis B does not mean that liver cancer is certain.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is primarily infested in the liver, replicating and breeding within the liver cells. When humans are infected with the Hepatitis B virus, the immune system activates a defence mechanism, and in the process the liver may suffer some damage.
The majority of hepatitis B patients are in chronic hepatitis B carrying or chronic hepatitis B. In the case of chronic hepatitis B, the liver function of patients may remain normal for long periods of time, with no apparent symptoms, and these people, while carrying the virus, do not necessarily progress to liver cancer. Inflammatory activities in the liver for chronic hepatitis B patients require treatments such as active antivirus to control the development of the disease.
The development of liver cancer from hepatitis B is a complex, multi-step process. First, the continued infection of the hepatitis B virus can lead to repeated liver inflammation. Long-term inflammation can cause continuous damage to and repair of hepatic cells, and in the process the genetic material (DNA) within the hepatic cells may undergo mutation. These mutations increase the risk of cancer if they involve some of the key carcinogenic or inhibitive genes.
At the same time, the human immune system, in the course of its fight against hepatitis B virus, can influence the course of the disease if there are anomalies, such as immunosuppressive or insufficiently functioning. For example, during immunosuppressive periods, the body’s immune response to hepatitis B virus is weak and the virus is heavily replicated, but hepatitis is not visible, although the liver is already in a potentially dangerous state during this period. Over time, the situation may progress.
But let’s be clear, only a small percentage of hepatitis B patients eventually develop into liver cancer. This is related to a number of factors. Of these, viral loads are a key factor. If hepatitis B virus is heavily replicated in the body, there is a relatively high risk of liver damage and carcinogenicity. Active antiviral treatment, on the other hand, can effectively reduce the load and the incidence of liver cancer. For example, antiviral drugs such as nucleotide (acid) analogues and jammers, which are currently commonly used, can discourage the reproduction of hepatitis B virus and improve patient condition.
The patient ‘ s own way of life also has an important impact on the development of the condition. Alcoholism is a major taboo for hepatitis B patients and can further damage the liver, increase the burden on the liver and accelerate the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Sound dietary structures, such as sufficient protein, vitamins and dietary fibre intake, appropriate weight maintenance and the avoidance of obesity, contribute to maintaining liver health. Regularity and proper exercise can also increase the body’s immunity against the adverse effects of hepatitis B virus.
Regular screening is essential for hepatitis B patients. The liver is kept up-to-date through the examination of liver functions, hepatitis B viral loads, alpha protein (AFP) and liver ultrasound. If there are signs of fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver at an early stage, appropriate treatments, such as anti-fibrosis treatment, can be introduced in a timely manner, thus disrupting the development of liver cancer.
Hepatitis B screening and prevention should also be carried out for family members of hepatitis B patients. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through mother, child, blood and sexual contact. Vaccination against hepatitis B is the most effective way of preventing hepatitis B, and other members of the family, if they have hepatitis B patients, should be vaccinated in a timely manner in the case of antinegatives to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis B virus.
In any case, although there is a certain correlation between hepatitis B and liver cancer, hepatitis B does not amount to a certain liver cancer. As long as patients cooperate actively in treatment, maintain a good lifestyle and undergo periodic examinations, they can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer and enjoy the same quality of life as normal people. At the same time, there is a need to raise awareness in the society as a whole about hepatitis B, to eliminate discrimination against persons with hepatitis B and to address the challenges it poses.
Liver cancer
