What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when healthy cells in the liver begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. These cancerous cells can start in the liver itself, called primary liver cancer, or spread from other parts of the body, known as secondary (metastatic) liver cancer.
The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which originates in the main liver cells called hepatocytes. Other, less common types include cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), angiosarcoma, and hepatoblastoma, which usually affects children.
Liver cancer is often linked to long-term liver damage, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis infection, or fatty liver disease. Unfortunately, in many cases, it develops silently without clear symptoms in its early stages, which makes early detection crucial.
What are the Early Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
In the initial stages, liver cancer symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other liver-related conditions. However, as the disease progresses, certain signs begin to appear that should not be ignored.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be an early warning sign.
- Loss of appetite: A persistent lack of interest in food, even favorite meals, is common.
- Fatigue and weakness: Constant tiredness that does not improve with rest may indicate liver dysfunction.
- Upper abdominal pain or swelling: Discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen could signal an enlarged liver or tumor growth.
- Nausea or vomiting: Digestive issues often accompany liver cancer.
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes): This occurs due to the buildup of bilirubin in the blood when the liver cannot process it properly.
- Itchy skin or dark urine: These are related to liver malfunction and bile flow obstruction.
In more advanced stages, patients may notice swelling in the legs, enlarged spleen, or visible veins on the abdomen due to increased pressure in the liver’s blood vessels.
If any of these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it’s essential to consult a hepatologist or oncologist for timely evaluation.
What Causes Liver Cancer?
There is no single cause of liver cancer; instead, it usually develops due to a combination of risk factors that damage liver cells over time.
Chronic Hepatitis B or C Infection:
These viral infections are among the most common causes of liver cancer worldwide. They lead to long-term inflammation and liver cell damage.
Cirrhosis:
Cirrhosis is a condition where normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, often due to chronic alcohol use, hepatitis infection, or fatty liver disease. It significantly increases cancer risk.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
Linked to obesity and diabetes, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may eventually cause liver cancer.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption:
Long-term drinking damages liver cells and can lead to cirrhosis, creating a high-risk environment for cancer.
Exposure to Aflatoxins:
Aflatoxins are toxins produced by fungi found in improperly stored grains and nuts, known to cause genetic mutations in liver cells.
Genetic Disorders:
Conditions like hemochromatosis (excess iron buildup) or Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation) can also increase cancer risk.
Obesity and Diabetes:
Both conditions contribute to fatty liver disease and inflammation, indirectly raising the chances of developing liver cancer.
While these are key factors, it’s important to note that not everyone with these risks will develop cancer — but awareness helps in prevention and early screening.
When Should You See a Cancer Specialist for Liver Cancer?
You should consult a cancer specialist immediately if you experience persistent symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, or prolonged fatigue. People with chronic liver disease, hepatitis infection, or cirrhosis should undergo regular screening even if they feel fine.
Early diagnosis not only improves treatment outcomes but also expands the range of available therapies. At Artemis Hospitals, multidisciplinary teams of hepatologists, oncologists, and gastroenterologists collaborate to ensure that every patient receives accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Early detection of liver cancer significantly improves survival rates. Since symptoms are often subtle, doctors rely on several tests and imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis.
Physical Examination:
The doctor checks for signs like an enlarged liver, abdominal swelling, or jaundice.
Blood Tests:
Liver function tests help evaluate enzyme levels. The Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is especially important — elevated AFP levels can indicate liver cancer.
Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: First-line test to detect abnormal growths in the liver.
- CT Scan or MRI: Helps determine the size, number, and location of tumors.
- Angiogram: Examines blood flow in the liver to guide treatment planning.
Liver Biopsy:
A small tissue sample is taken for microscopic examination to confirm cancer presence.
Molecular and Genetic Tests:
In advanced cases, these tests identify specific mutations to guide targeted therapy.
What are the Treatment Options for Liver Cancer?
Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the disease, type of tumor, overall liver function, and patient’s health. The goal is either to remove the tumor completely or to control its growth and prevent further damage.
1. Surgery (Partial Hepatectomy or Liver Transplant):
If the cancer is detected early and confined to a small area, surgical removal of the tumor may be possible. For some patients with severe liver damage, a liver transplant offers the best chance for long-term survival.
2. Ablation Therapy:
Techniques like radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, or cryoablation destroy cancer cells using heat or cold, especially in cases where surgery isn’t possible.
3. Embolization:
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization (TARE) are minimally invasive procedures that deliver chemotherapy or radiation directly to the tumor’s blood supply.
4. Targeted Therapy:
These drugs focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, helping to block tumor progression while sparing healthy tissue.
5. Immunotherapy:
This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Drugs like checkpoint inhibitors have shown encouraging results in advanced cases.
6. Radiation Therapy:
High-energy beams are used to shrink tumors or relieve symptoms, especially when surgery isn’t an option.
A personalized treatment plan often combines these approaches to achieve the best outcome.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Liver Cancer Treatment?
As one of India’s leading centers for advanced liver cancer care, Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon offers comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up support all under one roof. The hospital's dedicated Centre for Cancer and Liver Care is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems like MRI, PET-CT, and ultrasound-guided biopsy for early and accurate detection. Patients benefit from the expertise of experienced liver specialists and oncologists skilled in treating both primary and metastatic liver cancer, with treatment options including robotic and minimally invasive surgery for faster recovery, as well as advanced therapies such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and interventional radiology procedures like TACE and RFA. The multidisciplinary approach ensures each patient receives personalized, evidence-based, and compassionate care, complemented by comprehensive rehabilitation and dietary support from the point of diagnosis through to recovery.
FAQs
What are the most common early symptoms of lung cancer?
Persistent cough that worsens or doesn't go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and coughing up blood (hemoptysis). Many symptoms may not appear until later stages.
Can non-smokers or former smokers still develop lung cancer?
Yes. While smoking is the leading risk factor, a significant percentage of cases occur in never-smokers due to factors like exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and a family history of the disease.
How is lung cancer typically diagnosed and staged?
Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests (Chest X-ray, CT, PET-CT) followed by a biopsy (tissue sample) for confirmation. Staging (determining the extent of the cancer) is critical and often involves advanced imaging and molecular testing.
What are the different types of lung cancer, and how does that affect treatment?
The two main types are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is more common and often treated with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. SCLC is more aggressive and usually treated with chemotherapy and radiation.
What is the role of genetic or molecular testing in modern lung cancer treatment?
Molecular testing identifies specific mutations (like EGFR, ALK, PD-L1) in the cancer cells. These markers determine if a patient is eligible for highly effective Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy, personalizing the treatment approach.
Is lung cancer curable?
Yes, especially when detected at an early stage. Treatment aims for a cure through surgery or combined therapy. For advanced stages, while a cure may be difficult, modern treatments focus on extending life significantly and maintaining a good quality of life.
What advanced surgical options does Artemis Hospitals offer for early-stage lung cancer?
Artemis Hospitals utilizes Robotic-Assisted Surgery (e.g., Da Vinci System) for lung cancer procedures like lobectomy and segmentectomy. This approach offers enhanced precision, smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
How does Artemis Hospitals ensure a personalized treatment plan for lung cancer patients?
Treatment plans are decided by a Multidisciplinary Tumour Board, where specialists (Surgical Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, and Pathologists) collaborate. This ensures the patient receives a holistic, customized plan combining the latest surgical, medical, and radiation techniques.
Which cutting-edge radiation technologies are available at Artemis Hospitals for inoperable or advanced lung cancer?
The hospital is equipped with high-precision systems like the M6 CyberKnife and advanced Linear Accelerators for techniques such as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), IMRT, and IGRT. These technologies deliver high-dose radiation accurately to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy lung tissue.
What supportive care services are available to help patients manage side effects during lung cancer treatment?
Comprehensive support, including nutritional counseling with dedicated dietitians, pain management, psychological support, and specialized rehabilitation programs to improve quality of life and recovery during and after aggressive treatment.
