Liver cancer most commonly refers to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which originates in the liver itself. It is one of the more common cancers in India and is strongly linked to chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and liver cirrhosis. When detected early, liver cancer is potentially curable.
Types of Liver Cancer
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): The most common type, arises from liver cells. Strongly associated with cirrhosis.
- Cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer of the bile ducts.
- Metastatic liver cancer: Cancer that has spread to the liver from another organ.
Treatment differs significantly depending on the type, stage, and underlying liver function.
Symptoms
Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms. When they appear:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal swelling
- General fatigue
Because symptoms appear late, surveillance in high-risk patients is essential.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through:
- Ultrasound or CT/MRI scan of the abdomen
- AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) blood test
- Liver biopsy in selected cases
- Assessment of liver function
For patients with cirrhosis, Dr. Sahota recommends ultrasound surveillance every 6 months.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage:
- Surgical resection: Removal of the tumour. Suitable for patients with good liver function.
- Liver transplant: Best treatment for HCC within Milan criteria in patients with cirrhosis.
- Ablation (RFA/MWA): Destroying the tumour with heat, for small tumours.
- TACE/TARE: Blocking blood supply to the tumour or delivering radiation directly.
- Systemic therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib): For advanced disease.