Overview
Primary liver cancer is mostly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which arises in liver cells, and less commonly cholangiocarcinoma (bile-duct cancer). Liver cancer is closely linked to long-standing liver damage — cirrhosis from hepatitis B or C, alcohol, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — so patients with these conditions benefit from regular surveillance.
Symptoms of liver cancer
- Pain or a lump in the right upper abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools
- Abdominal swelling (fluid), easy bruising
- Worsening of known liver disease
Risk factors
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
- Cirrhosis from any cause, including alcohol and fatty liver
- Diabetes and obesity
- Aflatoxin exposure from contaminated grains
Diagnosis
Ultrasound and blood AFP are used for surveillance. Triple-phase CT or MRI can diagnose HCC without a biopsy when the pattern is typical; a biopsy is done when it is not. Liver function (Child-Pugh score) is assessed because it determines which treatments are safe.
Treatment at Shichim Oncocare
Options include surgical resection, liver transplant, ablation, trans-arterial chemo/radio-embolisation and, for advanced disease, systemic therapy — immunotherapy combinations (such as atezolizumab-bevacizumab) or oral targeted drugs (sorafenib, lenvatinib). Shichim Oncocare delivers systemic therapy as day-care and coordinates interventional and surgical procedures with partner hospitals.