LIVER CANCER



Liver cancer involves malignant hepatic tumors in or on the liver. Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. Some cancers develop outside the liver and spread to the area. However, only cancers that start in the liver are described as liver cancer.



Depending on the location of the liver, it is named as primary or secondary liver cancer.

Signs & Symptoms

There are no adequate signs and symptoms for the liver cancers as it is masked due to the organ size. The following symptoms may be evident in patients:

Sudden weight loss

Weak appetite

Repeated pains in the stomach

Giddiness and vomiting

Skin color changes and white eyeball looking yellow

White hard stools

Body weakness

Causes

There is a chance of infection in the liver, jaundice, and hepatitis that may surface as cancer if not treated properly and completely.

Hepatitis Viral infections

Chemical mutations in the DNA of liver cells

Rapid growth of tumor cells

Risk Factors

There are a number of reasons that trigger the risks related to liver cancers like:

Acute and prolonged Hepatitis B and C viral infection can cause liver cancer

Liver cirrhosis causes scars in liver cells, progress in this condition leads to liver cancer

Diabetes can be a reason for liver disorders

Inherent Wilson's disorder and hemocromatosis may induce infections of liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease causes excessive fat accumulation in liver and increases the risk of liver cancer

Aflatoxins contamination in food causes liver disorders and infection that may lead to liver cancer

Alcoholism causes a major risk factor in advancement of liver cancer

Liver Cancer Types

The types of liver cancer originating within liver are:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), affect hepatocyte cells. Appearing as a single or multiple tumor cells. When there is rampant growth of tumor cells it is known as liver cirrhosis

Fibrolamellar HCC can be cured effectively compared to other types of liver cancers

Angiosarcomas are fast growing tumor cells detected only in last stages

Cholangiocarsinomas starts in bile ducts, these tubes help flow of bile juices to gallbladder

Hepatoblastoma is a type of rare cancer often youngsters are the ones affected, it is curable in initial stages and treatments are sustainable

Benign liver tumors are non-cancerous tumors that can be eliminated through surgery

Liver Cancer Stages

Stage 1: A single tumor is detected in liver.

A single tumor is detected in liver. Stage 2: One or more tumor cells are found that are smaller than 3cm and have not spread in the blood stream.

One or more tumor cells are found that are smaller than 3cm and have not spread in the blood stream. Stage 3: There are multiple tumor cells that may be larger than 5cm and have spread in other organs, bloodstream, and lymph nodes.

There are multiple tumor cells that may be larger than 5cm and have spread in other organs, bloodstream, and lymph nodes. Stage 4: In this stage the tumor cells spread in major organs of the body, in bloodstream, bones and lymph nodes.

Prevention

Liver cancer can be prevented by healthy lifestyle habits. Some of the preventive measures advised by doctors are:

Hepatitis B vaccine must be administered to children compulsorily. Three vaccinations are given every alternate month to adults who are at high risk of infections due to drug abuse

vaccine must be administered to children compulsorily. Three vaccinations are given every alternate month to adults who are at high risk of infections due to drug abuse Hepatitis C vaccination is not available, it is only preventive measures that are saviors: Unprotected sex with unknown partners may make you vulnerable to Hepatitis viral infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Stay safe from non-specified drugs; do not share needles, shaving blades with others For body arts and tattoos, go to safe and authorized artists who practice hygiene and use sterile instruments only

vaccination is not available, it is only preventive measures that are saviors:

Diagnosis and Treatments

Diagnosis

Liver cancer is diagnosed by one of the best cancer hospital in Chennai– RIMC, using various screening tests. Lumps in liver during examination can be precursor to liver cancer. The doctor may advise various liver dysfunction tests to eliminate the possible cause of growth for tumor cells.

Blood tests: Liver cancer can be detected by measuring the secretions in bloodstream called tumor markers. Alpha feta protein (AFP) is secreted by the cancer cells. Increase in iron and abnormalities of liver functions are major indicators of liver cancer

Liver cancer can be detected by measuring the secretions in bloodstream called tumor markers. Alpha feta protein (AFP) is secreted by the cancer cells. Increase in iron and abnormalities of liver functions are major indicators of liver cancer Screening tests: Doctors advise Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI for accurate diagnosis and treatment plans

Doctors advise Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI for accurate diagnosis and treatment plans Liver Biopsy: A sample of liver tissue is extracted using injection, and then it is sent to laboratory screening for identifying cancer cells. This helps in liver cancer prognosis

Treatment Options

Liver cancer treatment plan consists of surgical as well as non-surgical procedures. Liver cancers in initial stages can be operated.

Surgical Treatment: Most surgical procedures ensure better treatment and help manage with minimal medication

Most surgical procedures ensure better treatment and help manage with minimal medication Liver transplant: In chronic liver dysfunction cases a healthy liver tissue is transplanted in patient’s diseased liver

In chronic liver dysfunction cases a healthy liver tissue is transplanted in patient’s diseased liver Managing through medication: Chemo-embolization is direct chemotherapy for liver cancer patients to cease tumor cells.

Chemo-embolization is direct chemotherapy for liver cancer patients to cease tumor cells. Managing through Radiation: Liver cancer tissue responds well to radiation therapy in moderation

Liver cancer tissue responds well to radiation therapy in moderation Managing through Scanning: Scanning and ultrasound aid in detecting the area of tumor

Scanning and ultrasound aid in detecting the area of tumor Managing through freezing: A procedure known as Cryoablation, where in tumor cells are frozen using an instrument loaded with liquid nitrogen

Medical Management

Treating liver cancer at RIMC is based on latest research and medication adheres to world standards. Timely check up with expert doctors ensures management of liver cancer effectively. Our skilled team of oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and physicians discuss your care regularly. We create a treatment plan for each patient to give you the best possible results. We offer surgery, interventional radiology, radiation therapy, and transplant procedures.

Lifestyle and Others

Take precautions and medication on time

Have a low sodium diet

Avoid over the counter medication

Avoid alcohol

Be regular with health check up

Keep body weight and fat under control

WHY RIMC?

Early Detection

RIMC leads in early detection of liver cancer, as we offer frequent screenings for high-risk patients, such as those with cirrhosis or hepatitis. This preventive care helps us treat cancer early and successfully.

Highly Experienced Liver Cancer Team

World-renowned liver team, headed by Professor Mohamed Rela, who are specialists in treating liver failure, advanced liver disease, liver cancer, liver transplantation and paediatric liver disease. We have specialists who work exclusively to treat liver cancer. We at the forefront of new treatments and therapies.

Comprehensive Care

We offer comprehensive treatment right from detection to elimination of symptoms. RIMC team of expert doctors collaborate closely, working with you to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Our team approach leads to fewer appointments, since you meet with multiple physicians during one visit. We also reduce unnecessary tests by determining which diagnostic tests are right for you.

Advanced Technology

Innovative technology is integral to delivering advanced health therapies that help the patients get treated more efficiently and recover quickly. RIMC offers cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art treatment facilities designed to deliver superlative healthcare.

World’s Largest Dedicated LICU:

The world's largest dedicated Liver Intensive Care Unit with cutting-edge technology and advanced infrastructure.

India’s first dedicated Integrated Liver Ambulance:

India's first dedicated Integrated Liver Emergency Care Ambulance Service. The mobile ICU will have specialist on board at your doorstep when liver emergency calls.

24/7 Liver Emergency:

A 24/7 Helpline - LiverEmergencyDirectConnect: - to connect you directly with a Liver Intensive Care Team Specialist for immediate advice, in case of any emergencies related to liver disease.

International Patient Service:

At RIMC, we welcome patients from around the world. The staff of our International Patient Centre is available to coordinate care for international patients.



Rela Institute & Medical Centre has the best liver cancer specialists in Chennai, India, providing multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of liver cancer caused due to varied reasons. RIMC is acknowledged as one of the best liver cancer treatment hospitals in Chennai, designed with state-of-the-art facilities.

Our Liver team works in collaboration with radiologists and oncologists to identify patients who will benefit from liver-directed surgical treatment. For patients with end stage liver metastases requiring liver transplantation; we are one of the best liver transplant hospital in Chennai, providing high success rate in liver transplantation.