Cáncer hepático, problema de salud subestimado

Abstract

Liver cancer is the second most common cancer death cause worldwide, the fourth with the highest incidence, and the third most lethal in Mexico. Due to the bad habits and inadequate nutrition of the Mexican population, it is at a high risk of developing this type of disease. At present, it is difficult to make a practical and safe diagnosis of liver cancer in later stages, and it is even more difficult in early stages. This situation, added to the scarce viability and effectiveness of the treatments, and the lack of reliable national incidence records, anticipate a very low survival rate. That is why it requires a greater attention and understanding of this condition, for the identification of therapeutic targets and new timely treatments. In this article we review the main risk factors for liver cancer, their biological characteristics, current diagnostic methods and new proposals for their detection, allowing us to know the contemporary panorama and contribute to research on this health problem and reduce the high rates of incidence and mortality.