It is the type of cancer that arises when there is abnormal cell division in the hepatic (liver) cells, causing cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type, which begins in the liver cells. (Hepatocytes)
There are two types of liver cancer based on their origin: primary (starts in the liver) and secondary (spreads to your from other organs such as the colon, breast, or lungs)
There are mainly three types of cancer.
Liver Cancer Symptoms may appear late; these include
Your provider may start with a physical examination, where they may ask about your symptoms and medical and family history. Here are some of the other tests to diagnose liver cancer; these include:
Checks for anemia, infection, and platelet levels. Useful in detecting complications of liver disease or cancer.
A tumor marker commonly elevated in liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. It helps in diagnosis and monitoring but can also be raised in hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Assess liver enzymes, bilirubin, and albumin to evaluate liver health. Abnormal results may suggest liver damage or disease.
Measures blood clotting ability. Prolonged times can indicate impaired liver function due to cancer or cirrhosis.
Another marker for liver cancer, especially useful when AFP is normal. Often used to support diagnosis and monitor treatment.
Angiogram: Examines the Blood vessels of the liver.
Liver Ultrasound: It uses sound waves to generate images of the liver to check for any lumps, outgrowths, etc.
MRI scan: Provides a highly clear image of the liver to check for any outgrowths or lumps
CT scan: Often used to progress and monitor cancer growth, it also helps in providing the location of the tumor.
Endoscopy: An Advanced endoscopic technique, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), to check for bile cancer in your liver.
Liver cancer stages depend on tumor size and cancer stage these are.
Stage I (Very early stage): A single tumor in the liver that’s smaller than 2 centimeters (about 4/5 of an inch), with normal bilirubin levels in blood tests.
Stage II (Early stage): A single tumor up to 5 cm (2 inches) or multiple tumors all smaller than 3 cm (1¼ inches). This stage may also involve cancer that has spread into nearby blood vessels.
Stage III (Intermediate stage): More than one tumor, or any tumor that is 5 cm or larger. Cancer may also involve nearby lymph nodes, large blood vessels, or nearby organs.
Stage IV (Advanced stage): Cancer has spread beyond the liver to distant organs such as the lungs or bones.
Note: Staging guides treatment planning and prognosis.
Here are some of the Liver cancer treatment options:
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs designed to target and kill cancer cells. It may be administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
Radiotherapy: This approach uses highly ionizing X-rays or radioactive isotopes to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Targeted Therapy: This treatment involves the use of checkpoint inhibitors that specifically target proteins (antigens) on cancer cells, helping to slow or stop their growth and spread.
Hormonal Therapy: This method uses hormones or hormone-blocking agents to interfere with cancer cell growth, gradually reducing or eliminating the cancer.
Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment technique that enhances the body's natural defenses to combat cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, Immunotherapy is safer, nontoxic, and provides better outcomes and life quality.
Blood Collection: Approximately 20 mL (per dose) of the patient's blood is collected. This contains important immune cells called monocytes.
Cell Processing: These monocytes (CD14+ cells) are separated and grown in a nutrient-rich laboratory environment to develop into immature dendritic cells.
Cancer training: It involves exposing the immature cells to proteins from the patient's tumor. This step "teaches" them to recognize cancer cells.
Activation: The trained cells are then activated using immune-stimulating agents, allowing them to signal the body’s immune system to fight the cancer.
Injection into the Body: The final dose is mixed with saline (100 ml DNS) and slowly given to the patient through an IV drip over about 20 minutes.
| Field | Global (2022) | India (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| New Cases | ~866,136 new cases (GLOBOCAN); ASIR ~8.6/100k; 6th most common cancer worldwide | ~36,953 new cases (GLOBOCAN); ASIR5-yr ~2.6/100k; men ~3.9/100k, women ~1.3/100k; clearly more common in men |
| Deaths | ~758,725 deaths; 3rd leading cause of cancer death globally (7.8% of all cancer deaths) | ~36,953 deaths; death count nearly equals new cases → very high mortality due to late detection and cirrhosis |
| Age & Gender | Affects mainly people over 50; 2–3× more common in men | Male:female ratio ~4:1; age group mostly 40–70 years; major risks: hepatitis B/C and alcohol |
| Hotspots | Highest in East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia | Higher rates seen in northeastern states (e.g., Mizoram, Sikkim); better detection in cities, but seen nationwide |
| Rural vs Urban | Present in both urban and rural areas; poorer outcomes in low-resource settings due to delayed treatment | Detected more in urban areas due to screening; rural areas face under-diagnosis and late presentation |
| 5-yr Survival | Very low globally (~10–20% overall); >50% if detected early and treated with surgery or transplant | Even lower in India: <15% 5-year survival for HCC due to late diagnosis and limited treatment access |
| Key Subtypes | Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC, ~75–85%) and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) | Same subtypes found in India; HCC is most common, often linked to cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C, and alcohol |
Liver cancer is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. However, some of the underlying causes—especially hepatitis B and C viruses—are infectious and can be transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Survival rates vary based on how early the cancer is detected and treated. Liver cancer diagnosed in the early stages and treated with surgery or transplant has a more favorable prognosis. However, overall 5-year survival rates remain relatively low due to late-stage diagnoses in many cases.
Yes, liver cancer can recur after initial treatment. That’s why ongoing follow-up care, including regular imaging tests and checkups, is critical to detect any recurrence early and manage it promptly.
You may have milder side effects that go away on their own and do not require special attention. In some cases, if side effects persist, consult with your doctor immediately.
Yes, it is effective for stage 4 cancer and has shown better results and survival chances for the patient suffering from this condition.
You may have milder side effects that go away on their own and do not require special attention. In some cases, if side effects persist, consult with your doctor immediately.
