Liver Cancer
Also known as: Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC, Hepatic Cancer
Liver cancer, most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma, typically develops in livers already damaged by chronic hepatitis B/C, alcohol abuse, or fatty liver disease. It is a growing cause of cancer death due to rising NAFLD prevalence. Early detection through surveillance of high-risk patients is critical.
Symptoms
Causes
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
- Cirrhosis from any cause
- NASH progressing to cirrhosis
- Aflatoxin exposure
Risk Factors
- Cirrhosis of the liver (any cause)
- Chronic hepatitis B (even without cirrhosis)
- Chronic hepatitis C
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes (through NAFLD/NASH)
- Hemochromatosis
Diagnosis
- Abdominal ultrasound for surveillance every 6 months
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker
- Triphasic CT or MRI showing characteristic enhancement
- Liver biopsy (not always required if imaging criteria are met)
- Staging with chest CT and bone scan
Treatment
- Surgical resection (partial hepatectomy) for early-stage cancer
- Liver transplant for early HCC with cirrhosis (Milan criteria)
- Ablation therapy for small tumors
- Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intermediate-stage disease
- Systemic therapy: atezolizumab + bevacizumab (first-line for advanced HCC)
- Targeted therapy: sorafenib, lenvatinib
Prevention
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Get treated for hepatitis C (cure is now possible)
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Undergo regular surveillance if you have cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B
When to See a Doctor
- You have chronic liver disease and develop new symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice
- You have risk factors and are not in a surveillance program
- You notice abdominal swelling or a palpable mass
Frequently Asked Questions
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