We Work With
- Clinicans
- Oncologists
- Life Sciences
- Insurers
- Employers
- International Networks
- Cancer Centres
- Charities
Get App
Menu
The liver is located in the top right part of the abdomen and forms an integral part of the digestive system and comprises different cells. When liver cells undergo abnormal changes, they grow and multiply uncontrollably, resulting in liver cancer. There are different types of liver cancer, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common. Liver cancer treatment options depend upon the type of liver cancer.
Liver cancer that begins in the liver cells is called primary liver cancer and is less common than cancer than secondary liver cancer that spreads to the liver from other parts of the body. Though liver cancer is relatively common in many parts of the world, it is rare in the UK. Liver cancer life expectancy varies based on factors like stage of cancer, age of the patient, and underlying medical conditions like cirrhosis, among others.
In the early stages, liver cancer shows no symptoms. However, some people may experience vague symptoms like fatigue, fever or chills.
Other symptoms of liver cancer that may eventually appear are:
The symptoms of liver cancer depend upon the location of the tumour. They also help your doctor and healthcare team determine how to treat liver cancer.
After symptom assessment and a physical evaluation, your doctor may recommend you to undergo the following tests to help diagnose liver cancer:
Complete blood count, liver function tests and tumour marker tests are done to detect any abnormalities in the parameters. Tumour markers are substances released by the cancer cells and can help identify the type of cancer. For example, in the case of hepatocellular carcinomas, the level of alpha ferroprotein (AFP) is higher than usual.
High-frequency waves are used to create an image of the liver and help the doctor spot any abnormal tissue changes.
These tests provide detailed images of the internal organs and help detect any growths or abnormalities.
A dye is injected into an artery to study any growth in liver tissues.
A small tube is inserted into the abdomen to study the liver and other nearby organs for unusual growths.
If other tests indicate an abnormal growth in the liver or nearby tissues, your doctor may advise a biopsy to determine the nature of the cells and confirm the diagnosis.
Your liver cancer treatment options depend upon the location of cancer, size and spread, type (primary or secondary), liver functioning, and overall health.
The standard treatment options for primary liver cancer are:
In advanced stage 3 and stage 4 liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, a combination of one or more treatments may be needed to reduce symptoms and prolong life.
Being diagnosed with liver cancer can be difficult. At this time, it is essential to be sure about the course of action you choose. If you are unsure or wish to get more clarity on your diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, chemotherapy and liver cancer or need help selecting the best treatment plan for you, seek a second opinion. This will help you make better health decisions and gain confidence in your treatment journey.
Do you need help with your treatment plan or wish to get a second opinion from the top liver cancer specialists? We are just a call away!
After symptom assessment and a physical evaluation, your doctor may recommend you to undergo the following tests to help diagnose liver cancer:
Complete blood count, liver function tests and tumour marker tests are done to detect any abnormalities in the parameters. Tumour markers are substances released by the cancer cells and can help identify the type of cancer. For example, in the case of hepatocellular carcinomas, the level of alpha ferroprotein (AFP) is higher than usual.
High-frequency waves are used to create an image of the liver and help the doctor spot any abnormal tissue changes.
These tests provide detailed images of the internal organs and help detect any growths or abnormalities.
A dye is injected into an artery to study any growth in liver tissues.
A small tube is inserted into the abdomen to study the liver and other nearby organs for unusual growths.
If other tests indicate an abnormal growth in the liver or nearby tissues, your doctor may advise a biopsy to determine the nature of the cells and confirm the diagnosis.
Your liver cancer treatment options depend upon the location of cancer, size and spread, type (primary or secondary), liver functioning, and overall health.
The standard treatment options for primary liver cancer are:
In advanced stage 3 and stage 4 liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, a combination of one or more treatments may be needed to reduce symptoms and prolong life.