Cirrhosis is when healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This weakens the liver and makes cancer more likely.
Liver Cancer
Signs, Diagnosis, and Prevention Tips
Liver cancer is a serious condition that often develops quietly and is found late. It’s commonly linked to long-term liver damage from hepatitis B or C, alcohol use, or other chronic issues. Symptoms like belly pain, jaundice, or sudden weight loss should not be ignored. In this blog, we’ll cover its causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention tips.
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer happens when bad cells grow too fast in the liver, an important organ that helps with digestion and removes waste from the body. If not treated, it can affect how the liver works and may spread to other areas. Doctors decide treatment based on the stage and type of liver cancer.
Types of Liver Cancer
- Primary liver cancer
This starts in the liver. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
This cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body, like the lungs or colon.
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Causes and Risk Factors of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer can develop due to various underlying conditions and lifestyle-related factors.
- Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections
Viruses like hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause long-term liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Cirrhosis and Long-term Liver Damage
- Alcohol Abuse and Fatty Liver Disease
Drinking too much alcohol for many years can damage liver cells and lead to cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease (caused by obesity or diabetes) also increases the risk.
- Exposure to Aflatoxins (Toxins from Contaminated Food)
Aflatoxins are poisonous substances made by mold that grows on stored crops like peanuts and grains. Eating foods with these toxins over time can damage the liver and cause cancer.
- Genetic Factors and Family History
A family history of liver cancer can increase the chances of getting the disease. Some inherited conditions also raise the risk.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages, making it harder to detect.
Persistent Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen
Liver cancer can cause a dull or sharp pain in the upper right side of the belly, where the liver is located.
Jaundice: Yellowing of Skin and Eyes
Jaundice happens when the liver cannot process bile properly. It causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow.
Sudden Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
Losing weight without trying or feeling full after eating small amounts can be an early warning sign.
Fatigue, Nausea, and Vomiting
Feeling very tired, weak, or sick often can be a symptom of liver problems, including cancer.
Swelling in the Abdomen (Ascites)
Liver cancer can cause fluid buildup in the belly, leading to noticeable swelling and discomfort.
Enlarged Liver or Lump Below the Ribs
Liver cancer may cause the liver to grow bigger, which can be felt as a lump or fullness under the right side of the ribs.
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How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of liver cancer can improve treatment success. Doctors use several methods to detect liver cancer.
- Blood Tests: Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Marker
⦿ The AFP blood test checks for high levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein linked to liver cancer.
⦿ High AFP levels can indicate cancer, but other conditions may also raise AFP.
⦿ High AFP levels can indicate cancer, but other conditions may also raise AFP.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT Scan, and MRI
⦿ Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create pictures of the liver and detect abnormal growths.
⦿ CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of the liver to locate tumors.
⦿ MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses strong magnets to get clear pictures of liver tissue and blood flow.
⦿ CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of the liver to locate tumors.
⦿ MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses strong magnets to get clear pictures of liver tissue and blood flow.
- Liver Biopsy: Confirming the Presence of Cancer Cells
⦿ A biopsy is when a small sample of liver tissue is taken with a needle.
⦿ The sample is checked under a microscope to confirm cancer.
⦿ The sample is checked under a microscope to confirm cancer.
- Genetic and Molecular Tests for Treatment Planning
⦿ These tests help doctors understand the cancer type and choose the best treatment.
⦿ They check for gene mutations and markers that affect treatment response.
⦿ They check for gene mutations and markers that affect treatment response.
Stages of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is classified into different stages based on tumor size and spread.
- Stage 0: Carcinoma in Situ
⦿ Small abnormal cells are present but have not yet formed a tumor.
⦿ This is the earliest stage and has the best chance of treatment.
- Stage I: Small Tumor Confined to the Liver
⦿ A single tumor is present in the liver, and it has not spread.
⦿ Surgery may be an option for treatment.
⦿ Surgery may be an option for treatment.
- Stage II: Cancer Spreading to Blood Vessels
⦿ The tumor has grown and started spreading into nearby blood vessels.
⦿ Treatment options depend on liver function and overall health.
⦿ Treatment options depend on liver function and overall health.
- Stage III: Larger Tumors or Spread to Nearby Organs
⦿ The cancer has grown larger and may have spread to nearby organs like the gallbladder.
⦿ More aggressive treatments are needed.
⦿ More aggressive treatments are needed.
- Stage IV: Metastatic Liver Cancer Affecting Distant Organs
Treatment Options for Liver Cancer
Liver cancer treatment depends on the stage and overall health of the patient.
Surgery
⦿ Liver Resection: Removing the cancerous part of the liver.
⦿ Liver Transplant: Replacing the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver.
Radiofrequency Ablation
⦿ Uses heat from (RFA) radio waves to destroy small cancerous tumors.
⦿ Best for patients who cannot have surgery.
Targeted Therapy
⦿ Targeted Therapy: Sorafenib is a medicine that slows cancer growth by blocking tumor blood supply.
⦿ Other targeted drugs are being studied for better results.
Chemotherapy
⦿ Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, but is less effective for liver cancer.
⦿ Combination Therapy: Sometimes chemotherapy is given with other treatments like surgery or radiation to improve results and control cancer more effectively.
Radiation Therapy
⦿ Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.
⦿ It may be used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells or when surgery isn’t possible, helping to control tumor growth.
Immunotherapy
⦿ Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells.
⦿ Clinical trials are testing new medicines for liver cancer treatment.
- Treatment and Survival Outcomes Table
Liver cancer treatment depends on the stage, liver function, and patient’s overall health. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing treatment options and their typical outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Swipe right to view the full table
| Treatment Option | Indication | Curative Potential | Survival Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Resection | Localized tumors, good liver function (Child A) | Curative | 5-year survival: 50–70% | Not suitable for patients with cirrhosis or poor liver reserve |
| Liver Transplantation | Early-stage HCC meeting Milan criteria | Curative | 5-year survival: 60–80% | Ideal for patients with underlying cirrhosis |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) | Small tumors (<3 cm), non-surgical candidates | Potentially curative | 5-year survival: ~40–60% | Minimally invasive, recurrence possible |
| Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) | Intermediate stage (BCLC-B) | Palliative | Median survival: 20–30 months | Standard for non-resectable, multifocal HCC |
| Systemic Therapy (e.g. Atezo/Bev, Sorafenib, Lenvatinib) | Advanced stage (BCLC-C) or extrahepatic spread | Non-curative | Median survival: 13–19 months (Atezo/Bev) | Immunotherapy or targeted therapy options evolving |
| Radiotherapy (SBRT or EBRT) | Unresectable, local disease, or bone mets | Palliative/local control | Variable, depends on extent | Useful in selected cases, esp. for pain or bleeding control |
| Supportive Care | Terminal stage, poor performance status | Symptom control only | Median survival: <6 months | Focus on quality of life, symptom relief |
Can Liver Cancer Be Prevented?
Liver cancer can’t always be stopped, but there are ways to lower the risk of getting it.
- Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine
⦿ Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can lead to liver cancer.
⦿ Getting the hepatitis B vaccine protects against this virus.
⦿ Doctors recommend this vaccine for babies, healthcare workers, and people at risk.
- Avoid Alcohol and Harmful Substances
⦿ Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and cause cancer.
⦿ Stay away from aflatoxins, which are harmful toxins found in moldy grains and nuts.
⦿ Be careful with medicines and chemicals that can harm the liver.
- Eat Healthy and Stay Active
⦿ Being overweight and having fatty liver disease increase liver cancer risk.
⦿ Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
⦿ Try to avoid junk food, sugary drinks, and greasy foods.
⦿ Exercise regularly to stay at a healthy weight.
- Get Regular Liver Check-Ups if at Risk
⦿ People with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or liver disease should get regular check-ups.
⦿ Blood tests and liver scans help find problems early.
⦿ Finding cancer early makes treatment easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
Dr. Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (G I cancer Surgeon)
Dr. Harsh Shah is a renowned GI and HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
Reviewed by
Dr. Swati Shah
MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Swati Shah is a Robotic Uro and Gynecological Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
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