What are the early signs of liver cancer?
Verified by Dr. Rajesh Shinde, Consultant HPB & G.I. Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.
According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Liver cancer is a serious disease, but early detection and treatment can lead to a good prognosis. Viral hepatitis infection is the most common risk factor for liver cancer. Unfortunately, liver cancer often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. This is why it is important to be aware of the risk factors for liver cancer and to talk to your doctor about getting screened if you are at high risk.
Risk factors for liver cancer
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infection: People diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B have a 25% to 40% risk of developing liver cancer during their lifetimes.
- Cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver disease
- Heavy alcohol use
- Smoking, Obesity & Diabetes
- A family history of liver cancer
Early signs and symptoms of liver cancer
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite & unintentional weight loss
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort & abdominal swelling
- Yellowing & itching of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine & pale stools
Diagnosis of liver cancer
If your doctor suspects that you may have liver cancer, they will order a physical exam and blood tests. They may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to help in the diagnosis of liver cancer.
Treatment of liver cancer
The best treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options for liver cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for liver cancer used to remove small tumors or tumors that are confined to one area of the liver.
Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai has the advanced 4th generation Da Vinci Xi robotic system for higher clinical efficiency during liver cancer surgery. With our state-of-the-art robotic system combined with world renowned cancer surgeons, you can get back to your routine life faster with minimal complications.
- Liver transplant: A liver transplant may be an option for patients with advanced liver cancer. The liver transplant program at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai offers specialized liver transplant teams that work incessantly to save lives providing 94% success rate for liver transplants.
- Ablation: Ablation is a procedure that uses heat or cold to destroy cancer cells. It is often used to treat small tumors that cannot be removed surgically.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of drug therapy that kills cancer cells. It is often used to treat liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of drug therapy that targets specific molecules involved in the growth and development of cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat liver cancer.
Tips to prevent liver cancer
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Avoid heavy alcohol use
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai offers comprehensive care for liver cancer including renowned cancer surgeons, state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced robotic technology and an exclusive stoma clinic to provide personalized care for individuals with a stoma (a hole created in the abdomen to divert waste matter out of the body).
If you have any of the risk factors for liver cancer, talk to our expert doctors about getting screened for the disease. Early detection and treatment can lead to a good prognosis.
Consult Dr. Rajesh Shinde, Consultant HPB & G.I. Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.