LIVER CANCER
Liver Cancer, also known as Hepatic Cancer, is a cancer that occurs in the liver. Cancer in the liver destroys liver cells & interferes with its ability to function normally. Liver cancer may be primary or secondary.
Primary liver cancer originates in the liver cells while secondary liver cancer spreads to the liver from another organ. There are various types of liver cancer:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with almost 75% of all liver cancer cases. HCC is also known as Hepatoma & it is common in individuals with severe liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption
- Bile Duct Cancer or Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer that develops in the bile ducts in the liver. It accounts for 10-20% of all liver cancers.
- Angiosarcoma is a rare type of liver cancer that originates in the blood vessels of the liver.
- Hepatoblastoma is a form of liver cancer mostly found in children below age of 3. If detected early, the chances of survival are very high. It is an extremely rare form of liver cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
- Jaundice
- Abdominal Pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Enlarged liver, spleen or both
- Fluid buildup on the abdomen
- Fatigue
- Fever
What are the risk factors?
- Older Adults, above 50 years of age
- Chronic Infection with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Genetic liver disorders such as Wilson’s Disease
- Diabetes & obesity
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Exposure to Certain Toxins
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
How is it diagnosed?
Liver cancer is diagnosed through understanding the patient’s medical history, physical examination & the following diagnostic tests:
- Liver Function Tests
- Abdominal CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- Liver Biopsy
How is it treated?
Treatment for Liver Cancer depends on a variety of factors:
- Size & Location of the tutors
- Functioning of the liver
- Whether or not Liver Cirrhosis is present
- Whether the tumour has spread to other organs
- Hepatectomy is a procedure in which a part or all of the liver is removed. Over a period of time, the healthy tissue regrows. This is an appropriate treatment modality in cases where the cancer is confined to the liver.
- Liver Transplant involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy one from a suitable donor. A transplant is a feasible option only if the cancer has not spread to other organs
- Ablation is considered as an option when the patient is not a candidate for either Hepatectomy or Liver Transplant. In this procedure, cancer cells are destroyed through use of ethanol injections.
- Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment in which cancer cells are destroyed through an aggressive form of drug therapy. It is an effective treatment method for Liver cancer, but patients tend to experience side effects such as vomiting & loss of appetite.
- Radiation Therapy uses high energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells in the liver.
- Targeted Therapy is a treatment method in which cancer cells are targeted where they are most vulnerable. This shuts off blood supply to the tumour and stops its growth.
- Embolization & Chemoembolization are surgical interventions to shut off the hepatic artery to cut down the amount of blood flow to the tumour.
Some of the treatment options include:
Can Liver Cancer be prevented?
Liver cancer is not always preventable. However, you can take measures to prevent developing conditions that lead to liver cancer
- Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Reduce your risk of developing Hepatitis C by:
- Practicing safe sex
- Being cautious about tattoos & piercings
- Using only sterile needles
- Reduce your risk of Cirrhosis by:
- Limiting consumption of Alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
FAQs
Liver cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow in the liver, most commonly as hepatocellular carcinoma. Early signs may include weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Symptoms are often subtle in early stages, so timely evaluation is important.
Liver cancer is commonly linked to chronic liver conditions such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and fatty liver disease. Long-term liver damage increases the risk over time. Identifying and managing these conditions early helps reduce risk.
You should consult a specialist if you experience persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or ongoing fatigue. Early evaluation by a gastroenterologist in Hyderabad helps in timely diagnosis and better treatment planning.
Liver cancer is diagnosed using imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, along with blood tests and sometimes biopsy. A specialist will decide the appropriate tests based on symptoms and medical history.
Treatment depends on the stage and may include surgery, targeted therapy, or other advanced procedures. Early-stage cases have more treatment options. A structured treatment plan is created based on overall liver health.
While not all cases are preventable, risk can be reduced by managing liver conditions like hepatitis, avoiding excessive alcohol, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular check-ups help in early detection, especially for high-risk individuals.
