Liver cancer is a life-threatening disease and one of the most rapidly developing cancers in India. There are two types of liver cancer: primary and secondary. The primary cancer starts in the liver, while the secondary cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body.

At ILS Hospital, liver cancer treatment is personalized, offering advanced options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, liver transplant, and radiofrequency ablation. Our oncologists use advanced diagnostic tools like CT scans, MRI, and biopsy to accurately diagnose and stage liver cancer. Based on the type and stage of the cancer, we develop tailored treatment plans focused on improving survival rates and quality of life.

Symptoms

When liver cancer is in its early stages, you may experience no symptoms at all. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) share similar symptoms:

• A lump under your rib cage, pain on the right side of your abdomen, or discomfort near your right shoulder.
• Jaundice
• Unusual weight loss, nausea, or loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Dark-coloured urine.

Causes

Liver cancer occurs when something breaks the DNA of healthy liver cells. DNA includes the genes that control how our cells work. The causes of liver cancer are given as follows:

• Infection with the hepatitis B or C viruses increases risk.
• Scarring of the liver from alcohol or liver diseases.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) raises the risk.
• Consuming mouldy foods contaminated with aflatoxins.
• Increases the risk of liver cancer.
• High blood sugar and insulin resistance are contributing factors.

Diagnosis

In case liver cancer signs persist during physical examination, we recommend the following tests for further analysis: blood tests, ultrasound (sonography), computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography, and biopsies.

Liver Cancer Stages

Depending on the type and severity of cancer, it is divided into the following stages:

• A single liver tumor less than two centimetres (cm) in size. This is known as stage I, the very early stage, also referred to as stage 0. According to blood tests, the bilirubin level is normal.
• A single tumor 5 cm or less, or multiple tumors less than 3 cm, are stage II, early stage, or stage A. The tumor’s spread may affect the blood vessels.
• Stage III, also known as the intermediate stage or stage B, is characterized by the possibility of having multiple tumors or a tumor larger than 5 cm. The tumor may have spread to other organs, large blood vessels, or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV/advanced stage/stage C cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of your body, including the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes.

Prevention

While it is not possible to completely prevent liver cancer, we can reduce your chances of developing it by doing the following:

• Avoid behaviours that can lead to cirrhosis.
• Achieve or sustain a healthy weight.
• Get a hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine is safe for almost everyone.
• Take precautions against hepatitis C.
• There is a higher risk of occurrence for diabetics, obese individuals and chronic alcoholics.