What Causes Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, starts in the cells of the liver — a large, vital organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen. The liver performs several essential functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid digestion, and regulating various metabolic processes. 

Liver cancer often goes undetected in its early stages because symptoms typically do not manifest until the disease has progressed. When symptoms do appear, they may include weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

There are several forms of liver cancer, but the most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which forms in the hepatocytes, the main type of liver cell. Less common forms of liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and angiosarcoma, which starts in the blood vessels of the liver.

The liver is the body’s main filtration system, processing many chemicals, including medicine, food additives, pesticides, and more.

Related article: What Causes Cancer?

Potential Causes of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer can develop due to a variety of risk factors, some of which are lifestyle-related, while others are linked to genetic predispositions or environmental exposures.

Here’s an overview of the primary causes:

1. Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Long-term infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) is one of the most predominant risk factors for liver cancer. These viruses cause liver inflammation, leading to scarring (cirrhosis) and increasing the risk of developing cancerous cells.
2. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is liver tissue scarring, often resulting from chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis infections, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue, the risk of liver cancer increases.
3. Aflatoxins: These are toxic substances produced by molds that grow on improperly stored food, particularly grains and nuts. Consuming foods contaminated with aflatoxins can lead to liver cancer, especially in individuals already infected with hepatitis B or C.
4. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to liver cirrhosis, which significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.
5. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, involves the accumulation of fat in the liver and can progress to cirrhosis, thereby increasing the risk of liver cancer.
6. Type 2 Diabetes: Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer, particularly if they also have other risk factors such as heavy alcohol use or chronic hepatitis infections.
7. Obesity: Obesity is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for liver cancer.

While these are well-known causes, there are emerging concerns about liver cancer being linked to environmental and pharmaceutical factors. Some of these factors have gained attention due to legal cases and ongoing investigations.

Liver Cancer from Dangerous Exposures

In recent years, there has been growing concern and litigation over the potential links between liver cancer and exposure to chemicals found in certain medications and environments. 

Zantac

Zantac (ranitidine) was a widely used medication for treating heartburn and acid reflux. However, in 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had detected unacceptable levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Zantac. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify NDMA as a probable human carcinogen, given the strong links the chemical has shown to cancer, including liver cancer. 

NDMA is not an active ingredient in Zantac but forms when ranitidine, the drug’s active ingredient, breaks down, especially in conditions where it is exposed to heat. Zantac was recalled from the market after those findings.

Subsequently, thousands of individuals who developed liver cancer and other cancers after long-time use of the drug began filing Zantac lawsuits against the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline.

Valsartan

Valsartan is a medication that’s prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Like Zantac, it was found to be contaminated with NDMA. Investigators traced the NDMA contamination to manufacturing processes at Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical in China and Hetero Labs in India.

The discovery of NDMA in Valsartan was alarming because long-term Valsartan users were potentially exposed to the carcinogen without their knowledge. 

The connection between NDMA exposure and liver cancer is concerning because the liver is the primary organ responsible for breaking down NDMA. This process may damage the liver, and prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancerous changes in liver cells.

Individuals who developed liver cancer and other cancers after taking the contaminated pharmaceutical drug have filed Valsartan lawsuits against the manufacturers. These cases highlight the dangers of contamination in the drug manufacturing process and the severe consequences for public health.

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) Exposure

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam primarily used to extinguish fuel-fed fires and other flammable liquid fires, particularly at airports, military bases, and industrial sites.

AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that persist in the environment and the human body. PFAS are often called forever chemicals because they do not break down easily and can accumulate over time.

Years of research has linked PFAS exposure to several health issues, including liver cancer. Firefighters and military personnel who frequently use AFFF in training exercises and emergency responses may be at an elevated risk for developing liver cancer.

Several studies indicate that PFAS can disrupt liver function, lead to fatty liver disease, and ultimately increase the risk of liver cancer.

Individuals harmed by AFFF are filing firefighting foam lawsuits against the manufacturers for liver cancer and other life-threatening cancers. 

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The U.S. Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, has been the center of one of the most significant water contamination incidents in U.S. history.

For decades, military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to water contaminated with hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride.

These chemicals are known to cause various health problems, including cancer. Liver cancer is one of the eight presumptive illnesses the U.S. government recognizes in Camp Lejeune claims. This means that if you lived or worked at the base between 1953 and 1987 and have liver cancer, the government automatically assumes it was caused by the contaminated water. 

Thousands of veterans and their families have filed a claim or Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit against the government, seeking compensation for the devastating health effects caused by the contaminated water.

Legal Options for Live Cancer Patients

The connection between liver cancer and Zantac, Valsartan, AFFF, and Camp Lejeune water contamination has significant legal implications. If you or a loved one are suffering from liver cancer and believe one of these chemical or environmental contaminants caused it, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Lawsuit Legal News, our mission is to inform the public about these and other serious risks. We also aim to help those harmed by dangerous drugs and chemical contaminants accountable.

If you or a loved one believe your cancer was the result of a dangerous medication or environmental contamination, we can connect you with a qualified legal professional who can evaluate your case. Call us today at 866-535-9515 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your legal options.