Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. This virus also increases the risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure, and even death. The federal Centers for Disease Control Web site provides information about the hepatitis B virus as well as other forms of hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) that do not cause cancer.
In the Hepatitis B section, you can find information on the Hepatitis B vaccine, which is recommended for all infants, children and adolescents under 19 who have not been vaccinated, and adults who might be at risk. There is also a podcast geared to the Asian-American community, in which it is a chronic infection, stressing the importance of testing, vaccination, and care to prevent serious health consequences from this "silent" disease. Here, you can also read fact sheets, and download many of the Centers for Disease Control's hepatitis publications free of charge. Information is clearly divided into sections that are appropriate for the general public and for health professionals.
Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer Home Page (Cancer.gov)
Here you will find comprehensive information from the National Cancer Institute about extrahepatic bile duct cancer. This includes risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, as well as factors that affect recovery. Information is presented in two formats -- for patients and for health professionals -- and the site indicates when information was last updated. You can also search to find clinical trials that involve patients with bile duct cancer. Information is also available in Spanish.
Here you will find comprehensive information from the National Cancer Institute about liver cancer in both adults and children. There is information about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, as well as factors that may affect the chances of recovery. Information is presented in two formats -- for patients and for health professionals -- and the site indicates when information was last updated. You can also search to find clinical trials involving patients with liver cancer. Information is also available in Spanish.
