Liver

Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastatic cancer affecting liver function.

Overview

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, usually occurring in the setting of chronic liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C). Surgical resection or transplantation offers the best chance of cure. Treatment depends on tumor stage, liver function reserve, and patient fitness.

Causes

Hepatitis B virus (most common cause globally)
Hepatitis C virus
Alcoholic cirrhosis
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Aflatoxin exposure
Hemochromatosis
Any cause of cirrhosis

Risk Factors

Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Cirrhosis (any cause)
Male gender (3:1)
Age over 50
Alcohol use with hepatitis
Obesity and diabetes (NASH)
Family history

Symptoms

Right upper abdominal pain or heaviness

Unintentional weight loss

Loss of appetite

Early satiety

Jaundice (in advanced disease)

Ascites (fluid in abdomen)

Palpable liver mass

Fatigue

Diagnosis

Ultrasound abdomen (screening)
Triple-phase CT liver (arterial enhancement + washout = diagnostic)
MRI with Primovist (for small lesions)
AFP tumor marker
Liver biopsy (rarely needed if imaging classic)
Staging: BCLC system

Treatment Options

1Hepatic resection (segmentectomy/lobectomy)

2Liver transplantation

3Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

4Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)

5Targeted therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib)

6Immunotherapy (atezolizumab + bevacizumab)

Surgical Treatment

Liver resection (hepatectomy) is the treatment of choice for HCC in non-cirrhotic liver or Child-Pugh A cirrhosis. Dr. Bhagat trained in liver resection at IMS & SUM Hospital and attended the Masterclass in Liver Resection & Vascular/Biliary Reconstruction at BLK-MAX. For cirrhotic patients within Milan criteria, liver transplantation offers the best long-term outcome.

Recovery

Liver resection: 5-7 days hospital stay. The liver regenerates to near-original volume within 6-8 weeks. Regular surveillance with CT and AFP every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months. 5-year survival: 50-70% for early-stage resectable HCC.

Prevention

Hepatitis B vaccination
Treat hepatitis B and C (antiviral therapy cures Hep C)
Limit alcohol
Maintain healthy weight (prevent NASH)
Regular surveillance for cirrhotic patients (ultrasound + AFP every 6 months)
Avoid aflatoxin-contaminated foods

Frequently Asked Questions

Can liver cancer be cured?

Yes, if caught early. Surgical resection for early HCC (single tumor, good liver function) has 5-year survival of 50-70%. Liver transplantation within Milan criteria has even better outcomes (70-80% at 5 years).

Does the liver grow back after surgery?

Yes. The liver is the only solid organ that can regenerate. After removing up to 70% of the liver, the remaining portion grows back to near-normal volume within 6-8 weeks.

Expert Consultation Available

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