Liver Cancer

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the liver grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

The most common type is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), which starts in the main liver cells (hepatocytes). Other types include Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Angiosarcoma.

Liver cancer may be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary/metastatic (spreading from another organ such as the colon, breast, or lungs).

In early stages, liver cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite and feeling full after small meals
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Enlarged liver or spleen felt as a lump under ribs
• Itchy skin and dark urine

Liver cancer staging helps guide treatment and prognosis:

• Stage I: Single tumor confined to the liver.
• Stage II: Tumor may have grown into blood vessels or multiple small tumors present.
• Stage III: Large tumors or spread to major blood vessels or nearby organs (except gallbladder).
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs such as lungs or bones.

Treatment options include surgery (resection), liver transplant, radiofrequency ablation, embolization, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Several conditions and lifestyle factors increase the risk of liver cancer:

• Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver due to alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, or infections)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Exposure to aflatoxins (toxins in contaminated grains and nuts)
• Obesity and diabetes
• Family history of liver cancer
• Smoking combined with other risk factors

While not all cases can be prevented, certain steps can reduce risk:

• Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
• Practice safe lifestyle habits to avoid Hepatitis B & C infections.
• Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight and manage diabetes.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoid exposure to aflatoxin-contaminated foods.
• Regular liver screening if you have cirrhosis, hepatitis, or other high-risk conditions.

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

• Over 900,000 new cases are diagnosed worldwide each year.
• In India, liver cancer accounts for 1.6% of all cancer cases, with rising incidence due to hepatitis and lifestyle-related factors.
• The overall 5-year survival rate is around 20%, but early-stage detection with surgery or transplant can improve outcomes significantly.