Liver Cancer

About Liver Cancer

Cancer develops in the cells of the liver. Metastatic cancer, as opposed to liver cancer, refers to cancer that starts in another part of the body which then spreads to the liver.

Risk Factors & Prevention

Adults over 60 are most likely to get primary liver cancer. Men are more likely than women to develop liver cancer.

Some of the risk factors of liver cancer are:

• Cirrhosis
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Viral hepatitis
• Metabolic diseases

How can it be prevented?

• Avoid hepatitis B and C infections / Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
• Limit the use of alcohol and tobacco
• Avoid obesity & stay healthy
• Treat Inherited diseases

Screening

People having a chance to get cirrhosis must get themselves regularly screened.

• Blood tests for alpha-fetoprotein
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

Symptoms & Signs

• Pain specifically, in the top right corner of the abdomen
• Unaccounted-for weight loss
• Decreased Appetite
• On the right side of the torso, hard bump under the ribs.
• Weakness or exhaustion
• Jaundice

Diagnosis

Different Types of tests are conducted by doctors for different signs and symptoms:

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests
• Biomarker testing
• Biopsy

Stages

• Very early stage: Tumor smaller than 2 cm
• Early stage. Tumor: smaller than 5 cm
• Intermediate stage: Tumor may be large, or there may be multiple tumors.
• Advanced stage: Other organs have been affected by the tumor

Treatment Modalities

Coping with Treatment

Along with the medical side effects of Liver cancer therapy, patients also deal with the financial burden of cancer care and the emotional and social impacts. MOC provides facility of psycho Onco-Counseling and Nutritional counseling to help patients.

Do’s & Don’ts During Treatment

Do’s

• Keep the body well hydrated
• Maintain optimal weight
• Eat small meals

Don’ts

• Avoid alcohol & tobacco
• Avoid fatty meats

Post-Treatment Support

Post-treatment Liver cancer survivors can go through long-term side effects of treatment, and long-term and late consequences may follow from physical and emotional changes. Survivors should talk with people who already have this cancer.

Follow-ups Cancer Care Plan

Post-treatment, one must request a follow-up treatment plan. Doctors provide a personalized treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer.

Surveillance and monitoring for Signs & Symptoms

Cancer recurrence is a key concern for cancer survivors, with other health issues. Your treatment options, should the cancer return at any point, will be determined by the location of the disease, the previous treatments you underwent, and your general health.

FAQs

1. Symptoms would liver cancer have?

   Fatigue, jaundice (a skin-coloring condition), abdominal pain, easy bruising or bleeding, and weight loss

2. Methods of diagnosing Liver Cancer?

   Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Biopsy