Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer – FAQs
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the liver. It can either originate in the liver (primary liver cancer, like hepatocellular carcinoma) or spread to the liver from other organs (secondary or metastatic liver cancer).
What are the common symptoms of liver cancer?
Symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, general weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and swelling in the abdomen.
What causes liver cancer?
Common causes include chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses, cirrhosis (often due to alcohol or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), exposure to toxins like aflatoxins, and genetic factors.
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests (like AFP – alpha-fetoprotein), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), and sometimes a liver biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and overall liver health. Options include surgery (resection or liver transplant), ablation therapies, embolization, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Can liver cancer be cured?
Early-stage liver cancer may be cured with surgery or a liver transplant. For advanced stages, treatments can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Who is at risk of developing liver cancer?
Individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of liver cancer are at higher risk.
How can liver cancer be prevented?
Prevention strategies include hepatitis B vaccination, managing hepatitis infections, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular screening if you are at high risk.
How important is early detection?
Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Regular surveillance in high-risk individuals can identify liver cancer at a stage when it is still treatable.
What is the survival rate for liver cancer?
Survival rates vary depending on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage liver cancer has better outcomes, whereas advanced stages are more challenging to treat. Ongoing advances in treatment are steadily improving survival rates.