Onco Life Hospitals

Book PET CT Scan Appointment
Book Doctor Appointment
Understanding Cancer
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

Liver Cancer

  • Home
  • Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer

What is Liver Cancer? 

Liver cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the liver — the largest internal organ in the body. The liver has vital functions such as filtering blood, detoxifying harmful substances, aiding digestion, and storing nutrients. Cancer disrupts these functions and can spread rapidly if not detected early.

There are two main categories of liver cancer:

  • Primary Liver Cancer – Begins in the liver
  • Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer – Starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver (e.g., colon, breast, lungs)

In India, liver cancer is often diagnosed late due to a lack of symptoms in the early stages.

Types of Primary Liver Cancer

  1. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):
    • Most common type (80-90%)
    • Begins in the main liver cells (hepatocytes)
    • Strongly linked to liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B & C
  2. Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma:
    • Starts in the bile ducts inside the liver
    • More aggressive and harder to detect early
  3. Hepatoblastoma:
    • Rare cancer in children under age 4
  4. Angiosarcoma:
    • Very rare; begins in the liver’s blood vessels

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

In early stages, liver cancer may show no symptoms. As it progresses, common symptoms include:

  • Upper right abdominal pain
  • A hard lump below the right rib cage
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite and early fullness
  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Pale or chalky stools
  • Dark urine
  • Itching of the skin

Note: Patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis should undergo routine screenings, even if they feel well.

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection
  • Cirrhosis (often caused by alcohol or hepatitis)
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Aflatoxin exposure (a Mold toxin found in contaminated grains)
  • Diabetes and obesity
  • Smoking
  • Family history of liver cancer
  • Inherited liver diseases (e.g., Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis)

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

  1. Blood Tests
    • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) – A tumour marker elevated in many liver cancer cases
    • Liver function tests to assess damage
  2. Imaging Tests
    • Ultrasound – First screening tool
    • CT scan (Triple Phase) – Shows tumour location and blood supply
    • MRI with contrast
    • PET-CT scan – Used to check spread and staging
  3. Biopsy
    • May be done if diagnosis is uncertain (needle or surgical biopsy)
  4. Liver Elastography (Fibro Scan)
    • Non-invasive scan to assess liver stiffness and cirrhosis

Staging of Liver Cancer (TNM System)

  • Stage I – Single tumour, no blood vessel involvement
  • Stage II – Multiple small tumours or one tumour that has invaded nearby blood vessels
  • Stage III – Tumours with major blood vessel involvement or spread to nearby organs
  • Stage IV – Cancer has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

Treatment depends on liver function (Child-Pugh score), size and number of tumours, and overall health.

  1. Surgery

    • Liver Resection – Removing the part of the liver with the tumour (only for patients with good liver function)
    • Liver Transplant – In select patients with small tumours and liver failure

  2. Locoregional Therapies

    • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Burns the tumour using heat
    • Trans arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) – Delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver tumour
    • Trans arterial Radioembolization (TARE) – Uses radioactive beads to kill cancer cells
    • Microwave Ablation (MWA) – Uses microwaves to destroy the tumour

  3. Radiation Therapy

    • Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) or Tomotherapy – Precise, high-dose radiation beams

  4. Systemic Therapy

    • Targeted Therapy (e.g., Sorafenib, Lenvatinib)
    • Immunotherapy (e.g., Nivolumab, Atezolizumab)
    • Used for advanced or inoperable liver cancer

  5. Supportive & Palliative Care

    • Nutritional therapy
    • Pain management
    • Fluid drainage (for ascites)
    • Psychological support

Prevention of Liver Cancer

  • Vaccinate against Hepatitis B
  • Avoid sharing needles or unprotected sex to reduce Hepatitis C transmission
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Control diabetes and obesity
  • Eat clean, uncontaminated food (avoid mouldy grains or nuts)
  • Regular liver check-ups if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis
  • Avoid unnecessary use of herbal/alternative medicines that may damage the liver

Liver Cancer in India: An Overview

  • Rising rapidly due to NAFLD and lifestyle diseases
  • Most cases diagnosed late due to lack of early symptoms
  • India has high Hepatitis B & C burden in rural areas

Most Popular Questions

Liver Cancer

1. Is liver cancer curable?

Yes, in early stages with surgery or transplant. Advanced cases are treatable but rarely curable.

2. What is the most common type of liver cancer?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), usually linked to hepatitis or cirrhosis.

3. Can liver cancer be detected early?

Yes, through regular screening (ultrasound + AFP) in high-risk patients.

4. How long can someone live with liver cancer?

It depends on the stage, liver health, and treatment response. Early detection improves outcomes.

5. What is AFP test?

Alpha-fetoprotein is a blood marker often elevated in liver cancer.

6. Can liver cancer cause jaundice?

Yes, especially in advanced stages or if the tumour blocks bile ducts.

7. Is liver cancer painful?

Not always in early stages. Pain may develop as the tumour grows or spreads.

8. Does liver cancer spread?

Yes, commonly to lungs, bones, and lymph nodes in advanced stages.

9. Can fatty liver lead to cancer?

Yes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to cirrhosis and increase cancer risk.

10. Can a liver transplant cure liver cancer?

Yes, in early-stage liver cancer with strict eligibility criteria (Milan Criteria).

11. Is liver cancer hereditary?

Not directly. But genetic liver diseases can increase risk.

12. What foods should liver cancer patients avoid?

Avoid alcohol, processed food, fried food, and excessive salt.

13. Can ayurvedic or herbal treatments help?

They may offer symptom relief but should never replace evidence-based treatment.

14. How often should hepatitis B patients screen for liver cancer?

Every 6 months (ultrasound + AFP), even if asymptomatic.

15. Is liver biopsy safe?

Yes, when done under imaging guidance by experienced doctors.

16. What is TACE and when is it used?

A localized chemo treatment for liver tumours when surgery isn't possible.

17. What is the difference between liver cancer and liver metastases?

Liver cancer starts in the liver; metastases spread to liver from other organs.

18. Can a liver regenerate after surgery?

Yes, the liver has a strong ability to regenerate if healthy.

19. Can children get liver cancer?

Yes, but it’s rare. Hepatoblastoma is the most common type in children.

20. What is the role of lifestyle in liver cancer prevention?

Healthy diet, no alcohol, avoiding hepatitis, and managing weight reduce risk.