Liver Cancer

From Awareness to Triumph: Empowering Lives, Defeating Liver Cancer

At Universal Hospital, our specialized team of hepatologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for individuals facing liver cancer.Liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), originates in the liver cells and is often associated with underlying liver disease.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. It can either start in the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or spread to the liver from other parts of the body (metastatic liver cancer).

Risk Factors:

Several factors may increase the risk of developing liver cancer, including:

Chronic Hepatitis Infections: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses is a major risk factor.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, often caused by chronic alcohol abuse or certain liver diseases.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Accumulation of fat in the liver.
Heavy Alcohol Use: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk.

Symptoms:

Liver cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side.
Unexplained weight loss.
Loss of appetite.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Swelling in the abdomen.

Staging:

Liver cancer is staged to determine the extent of the disease. Stages range from I (early) to IV (advanced).

Liver cancer is staged using the TNM system:

Stage I (I): Solitary tumor without vascular invasion.
Stage II (II): Solitary tumor with vascular invasion or multiple tumors, none more than 5 cm.
Stage III (III): Multiple tumors or tumor involving major veins.
Stage IV (IV): Tumor invasion of adjacent organs or distant metastasis.

Diagnosis:

Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds may be used to visualize the liver.
Biopsy: A sample of liver tissue is taken for examination under a microscope.

Treatment:

Treatment options for liver cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer and may include:

Surgery: Removal of the tumor or, in some cases, a liver transplant.
Ablation Therapy: Destruction of cancer cells using heat or cold.
Radiation Therapy: High-dose radiation to target and kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Medications to kill or control the growth of cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

Prognosis:

The prognosis for liver cancer varies depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed and the effectiveness of treatment. Advanced liver cancer has a generally less favorable prognosis.

Support and Resources:

Living with liver cancer may require support. Patients and their families can benefit from support groups, counseling, and educational resources provided by healthcare organizations.

Liver Cancer Care at Universal Hospital:

1. Multidisciplinary Liver Cancer Team:

Our hospital is equipped with a multidisciplinary team of experts who collaborate to provide a comprehensive approach to liver cancer care. This team includes hepatologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and support staff.

2. Advanced Diagnostic Technologies:

Universal Hospital employs state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies, including imaging studies, liver function tests, biopsy procedures, and molecular testing, to accurately diagnose and stage liver cancer.

3. Personalized Treatment Plans:

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific diagnosis, considering factors such as the stage of liver cancer, the extent of liver damage, and the patient’s overall health. Our goal is to provide the most effective and personalized care for every individual.