Introduction to Liver Cancer

The liver, which is located in the upper right corner of the abdomen, is one of the body's most vital organs and performs many important metabolic functions that are critical for maintaining a person's health and well-being. The liver is the largest single organ in the human body and, in an average adult, weighs about 3 pounds. The liver is divided into two major lobes (right and left lobes) which can be further subdivided microscopically into about a million smaller functional units called lobules. The lobules, in turn, consist of individual liver cells called hepatocytes.

It has been estimated that the liver performs about 500 different functions in the human body. Some of these major functions include:

• Converting food into energy - The liver stores carbohydrates in abundant amounts of glycogen (a form of glucose). When the body requires an energy "boost", the liver breaks down the stored glycogen into glucose that is then released into the bloodstream and transported to the tissues and organs where it is converted by the cells into energy.

• Production of bile - The liver produces a substance called bile which helps the body in the process of digestion of fats.

• Detoxification (purification) of blood - The liver filters blood and helps to eliminate waste products and toxins from the bloodstream.

• Production of cholesterol - The liver helps regulate the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is used by cells to form the outer membrane of cells and is needed by cells to carry out other important functions.

• Resistance to infection The liver produces specialized immune cells called macrophages which are critical in helping the body destroy and eliminate foreign microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) that can cause serious, life-threatening infections.

• The liver also plays an important role in metabolism of fats and proteins which are vital for optimal function of cells.