Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost
Liver cancer remains a significant global health concern. Liver cancer is also known as hepatic cell carcinoma. Liver cancer has shown a multifold increase in recent times. As per world cancer research fund international’s latest report liver cancer is the 5th most common cancer in men, and the 9th most common cancer in women. Overall Liver cancer is the 6th largest cancer among all cancers worldwide. Top Indian hospitals offer comprehensive liver cancer treatments in India at a very reasonable cost.
The liver is considered the body’s primary detoxification center, and it is responsible for helping to eliminate waste, absorb nutrients, and heal wounds daily.
This organ also breakdowns chemicals in food, alcohol, and medications and stores nutrients such as glucose.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or Liver cancer is a serious and life-threatening illness that originates in the cells of the liver. Liver cancers can be both primary and secondary (metastatic) cancers.
It originates from hepatocytes, the main type of liver cells. It appears when the normal cells in the liver begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a dangerous tumor.
Early detection of liver cancer is crucial for better treatment options, improved survival rates, and reduced healthcare costs.
Awareness, preventive measures, and timely investigations can help individuals seek early medical attention and ensure a higher chance of successful liver cancer treatment in India.
Various Types of Liver Cancer
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): It is the most common liver cancer, linked to liver diseases like hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis, and NAFLD.
- Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC): Originating from liver bile duct cells, it is more challenging to diagnose than HCC due to early spread.
- Hepatoblastoma: It is a rare liver cancer mostly affecting children under 3 but it is curable with proper treatment.
- Fibrolamellar Carcinoma (FLC): It is a rare type of liver cancer that mostly affects teenagers and young adults.
- Angiosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma: These are rare types of liver cancer that develop in the liver’s blood vessels. They can spread quickly.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Those who suffer from liver failure are more prone to developing liver cancer, but most individuals are unaware of the causes, or even the symptoms.
Once the cancer starts growing, people may start noticing common symptoms like:
- Involuntary Weight Loss
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Jaundice(Yellowing of the skin)
- Decrease in Appetite
- bruising or bleeding
Diagnosis of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory tests.
Tests used to diagnose liver cancer include:
- Blood Tests: These check whether the liver is working properly and how healthy blood clots look.
- Imagining tests:
- 1. Ultrasound: It is used to look for primary liver cancer.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide three-dimensional images of organs, helping doctors in planning operations and detecting the spread of cancer.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRIs use powerful magnets to generate complete images of the liver and show the stage of a tumor.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: PET scans identify areas of any cancer in the body through a radioactive tracer.
- Biopsy: When imaging tests reveal a suspicious tumor, a biopsy is performed to remove a small piece of liver tissue for examination under a microscope to confirm cancerous cells and determine the type and stage of liver cancer
Liver Cancer Treatment Options in India
Patients suffering from liver cancer can receive a range of treatments, such as:
- Cutting out the Tumor Surgery: It is the prime treatment for early-stage liver cancer.
- Hepatectomy: Removing the tumor-containing area of the liver while leaving healthy liver tissue alone.
- Liver Transplantation: For certain patients, an unhealthy liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver.
- Ablation Therapies: Ablation therapy is a medical procedure using heat, cold, or other methods to destroy tumors and cancerous tissue, like liver cancer.
- Embolization: Embolization techniques cut off the tumor’s blood supply, depriving it of important nutrients by transporting chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor area.
- Targeted Therapy: The goal of targeted therapies is to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth. It includes:
- Sorafenib
- Lenvatinib
- Immunotherapy: It boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: It uses drugs to destroy cancer cells all over the body.
- Radiation therapy or Cyberknife treatment
Risks factors for Liver Cancer
- Chronic Hepatitis Infections:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: HBV is a DNA virus that mostly targets the liver, causing inflammation and affecting its primary function. Chronic infection can result in long-term liver damage, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
To diagnose HBV infection, blood tests are used to detect viral antigens or antibodies in the bloodstream.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: HCV is an RNA virus that primarily attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and compromising liver function. Hepatitis is spread from person to person through direct contact or sharing needles or syringes. Chronic HCV infection can lead to an increased risk of liver cancer.
The risk of chronic hepatitis B infection can be reduced by vaccinating against the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
The transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses can be prevented by practicing safe sex using condoms.
It’s important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can increase the chance of hepatitis virus transmission.
- 2. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD):
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition in which fat accumulates in the liver of people who consume little or no alcohol.
It is developing as a major risk factor for liver cancer due to various risk factors such as obesity, resistance to insulin, and genetic condition.
- Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver. After every injury, your liver tries to repair itself. Scar tissue develops as a result. The liver struggles to function as more and more scar tissue forms. The liver eventually loses the ability to perform its primary functions.
Best Liver Cancer Treatment Hospitals in India
If you need the best liver cancer treatment in India, Al Alfiya Medi Tour is here to help. We have experienced healthcare consultants who will assist you in finding the best hospital in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad. The hospitals listed on the website provide important details like addresses, phone numbers, and top doctors’ names. You can easily book an appointment online. Thankfully, with advancements in medical technology and increased awareness, liver cancer treatment in India has improved with the best liver cancer treatment hospitals in India, offering hope to many patients. Remember, help is available, and progress is being made to support those affected by liver cancer on their journey to recovery.
1 Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurgaon
2 Dharamshila Narayana Super Specialty Hospital Delhi
3 Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi
4 Medanta – The Medicity Gurgaon
5 Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi
6 BLK Super Specialty Hospital Delhi
7 Columbia Asia Yeshwantpur Bangalore
8 Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai
9 Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai
10 Gleneagles Global Health City Gurgaon
Top Liver Cancer Treatment Doctors in India
When it comes to liver cancer treatment in India, finding the right doctor can be challenging, even for Indian patients. But don’t worry, our healthcare consultants are here to help! They will provide you with all the information you need about top specialist doctors in cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Chennai, and Mumbai. These doctors have extensive experience and work in reputable hospitals.
The good news is that India has some of the world’s best liver cancer treatment doctors. They are leading the way in medical technology and awareness, providing effective care and support to many patients. So, you can trust that you are in good hands. Remember, our healthcare consultants are here to support you throughout your liver cancer treatment journey. You don’t have to face this challenge alone!
Dr. Vinod Raina
Medical Oncologist, Gurgaon, India, FORTIS MEMORIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, GURGAON
Dr. Ankur Bahl
Medical Oncologist, Gurgaon, India, FORTIS MEMORIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, GURGAON
Dr. Arvinder Singh Soin
Liver Transplant Surgeon, Gurgaon, India, MEDANTA – THE MEDICITY, GURGAON
Dr. Bhawna Saddy Awasthy
Medical Oncologist, Gurgaon, India, MARENGO ASIA HOSPITALS, GURGAON
Dr. Subhash Gupta
MBBS, MS – General Surgery, FRCS – General Surgery, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
Dr. Virandera Pal Bhalla
MBBS, MS – General Surgery, BLK Max Hospital Delhi
Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India
India is becoming a popular destination for medical tourism because treatment here is affordable for patients from all around the world. If you’re considering Liver Cancer Treatment in India, it’s essential to know the treatment cost, the cost of Liver Cancer Treatment in India varies between hospitals and cities and also depends on the doctor’s fee. Feel free to contact us anytime, and our healthcare consultants will be there to assist you 24×7. They will help you find the information you need in simple words that you can easily understand.
Liver Cancer Treatment Success Rate in India
The success rate of Liver Cancer Treatment in India is remarkably high. However, it may vary based on several factors, including the hospital, the doctor, and the patient’s condition. If you wish to learn about the success rate of Liver Cancer Treatment in India, you can have an online consultation with our healthcare professionals who will provide you with the necessary information.
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Best Liver Cancer Hospitals in India
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Cost of Liver Cancer Treatment in India
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FAQs (FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions))
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is the cancer that begins in the liver cells. Liver cancer can be bifurcated into primary and secondary liver cancer. Primary cancer originates in the liver. Cancers that migrate from another area of your body to the liver are called secondary cancer. Liver cancer can be fatal.
What is the first stage of liver cancer?
Staging determines the prognosis and likelihood of recovery and the best forms of treatment. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer System (BCLC) system helps describe the stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Doctors use different names to describe each BCLC stage it may be described as stage 1 to IV or O-C by words early-stage and advanced stage HCC. The first stage of the Zero stage shows a single tumor that is less than 2 centimeters, and blood tests show normal bilirubin levels. Doctors can do more to treat liver cancer at this stage.
What is the main cause of liver cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when liver cells experience DNA changes or mutations. This may cause the cells to proliferate uncontrollably and eventually form a tumor, which is a collection of malignant cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer in adults, often appears in those that have cirrhosis or chronic (long-lasting) liver disease brought on by hepatitis virus infection.
What are the warning signs of liver cancer?
There are usually no warning signs in the early stages of liver cancer, common symptoms are-
- A lump below your ribcage or right side abdominal pain, an ache near your right shoulder pain.
- Swelling of the stomach
- Jaundice (a condition that causes skin and eyes to yellow)
- Unexpected appetite loss, sickness, or weight loss.
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Deep-yellow urine
- White and chalky stool
What are the different treatment options available for liver cancer?
Treatment options for liver cancer will depend on the stage, type of cancer, patient’s general health, age, and preferences. This may include
Surgery – There are two surgical options
- Removing the tumor – The oncologist may recommend surgery to remove the tumor and a small portion of healthy liver cells surrounding the liver.
- Liver transplant – The liver transplant specialists replace the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver. This option is used only in the early stages.
Localized treatment is administered locally, and targets the cancer cells and surrounding tissues.
- Heating cancer cells – The doctor uses radiofrequency ablation to create an electric current and kill cancer cells.
- Freezing cancer cells – Cryoablation is a method that uses extreme cold to kill cancer cells.
- Injecting alcohol into a tumor – Doctors inject alcohol into the tumor either during surgery or into the skin. The alcohol kills the malignant cells.
- Chemoembolization is a form of chemotherapy, where chemotherapy medication is administered directly to the liver.
- Injecting radioactive beads into the liver, this method helps deliver radiation straight to the liver tumor.
The doctor uses powerful energy from sources like protons and X-rays to shrink tumors by destroying cancer cells. They carefully direct the energy source toward the tumor and surrounding healthy cells remain unaffected.
Targeted drug therapy
The doctor uses targeted drug therapy to concentrate on specific abnormalities in the cancer cells. The treatment kills cancer cells by suppressing these abnormalities.
The doctor gives drugs to kill the rapidly proliferating cells, especially cancer cells. They can administer medication orally or intravenously.
Palliative care
Palliative care hopes to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with cancer.
How much does liver cancer treatment cost in India?
Liver cancer costs in India have a dynamic factor. It depends on the stage of liver cancer. India offers live cancer treatment at reasonable costs. The cost of liver cancer treatment ranges from Rs. 1,50,000/- to 4,00,000/-.
What factors can affect the cost of liver cancer treatment in India?
Factors that can affect the cost of liver treatment in India are –
- The treatment plan
- Medical history
- Diagnostic tests
- Hospital facilities
What is the success rate of liver cancer treatment in India?
The success rate of liver cancer treatment in India is quite low 4% compared to the global rate of 10% for five years. The low rate can be attributed to a lack of access to treatment and diagnosis for average Indians. Other factors that affect success rate are affordability, ignorance about cancer and the need for follow-ups, and socioeconomic factors.
What are the potential risks and side effects of liver cancer treatment?
Cancer treatment can have its challenges. It is easier to make treatment decisions if you know what to expect.
- Fatigue – This is a very common side effect of cancer treatment, this exhaustion is different from that felt by healthy individuals.
- Pain – Patients may experience pain from surgery, tumors, or other treatment.
- Insomnia or sleep disturbance – The treatment, medication, pain or therapies may cause insomnia.
Side effects of chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy can lower blood count increasing the risk of infection and anemia.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a group of symptoms brought on by damage to the nerves that regulate numbness sensation in our hands and feet resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain.
Side effects of Liver transplant
Patients need to take immunosuppressive medication to avoid organ rejection.
What is the cost of liver cancer treatment at the top hospitals in India?
India offers the most effective liver cancer therapy at the most reasonable cost. The cost of liver cancer treatment ranges from $1700 to $4700.
Which is the best Liver cancer hospital in India?
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