Liver Cancer and Hematemesis: Understanding the Causes and Treatment Options

Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, in liver cancer patients is often linked to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition can arise from several key factors:

Esophageal and Gastric Varices Rupture

One of the most common causes is the rupture of esophageal or gastric varices. These enlarged veins typically develop due to portal hypertension, a frequent complication of liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Peptic Ulcers

Some patients may develop peptic ulcers on top of existing liver conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. These ulcers can erode blood vessels, leading to significant bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Coagulopathy and Mucosal Damage

Liver dysfunction can impair the body's ability to form blood clots, a condition known as coagulopathy. This can lead to mucosal damage or erosion in the digestive tract, increasing the risk of bleeding.

When a liver cancer patient experiences hematemesis, initial management usually follows the protocols for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In cases of severe bleeding, endoscopic evaluation and intervention are often employed. Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of the bleeding source and enables targeted treatments such as injection of tissue glue or sclerosing agents to stop the hemorrhage. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes and reducing complications in these patients.