Overview

Liver cancer can affect anyone, but it is often surrounded by myths and confusion. You may have been diagnosed with liver cancer, know someone going through it, or you could just be curious. Having the right knowledge can help. This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about liver cancer in a way that’s easy to understand. We aim to make you know more, feel backed up, and get ready for what comes next, like picking treatments or just knowing what is going on in the body.

What is liver cancer?

Abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably in the liver will cause liver cancer. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).¹ Other types are:

• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer in the bile ducts inside the liver²
• Angiosarcoma: A rare cancer that starts in the blood vessels of the liver³

Liver cancer often develops in people with chronic liver disease.

What causes liver cancer?

Many different symptoms can increase the risk of developing liver cancer:

• Chronic hepatitis B or C infections: The long-term infection can damage the liver and lead to cancer⁴
• Cirrhosis: This is when the liver is scarred, which can happen because of alcohol abuse⁵
• Aflatoxin exposure: Eating foods with certain toxins created by moulds⁶
• Genetic disorders: Having a disorder like hemochromatosis will result in a higher risk⁷
• Lifestyle factors: Factors like obesity, Type II diabetes, and smoking can also result in higher risks⁸

What are some common symptoms?

Early-stage liver cancer may not show symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms can include:

• Unintended weight loss: Losing weight without trying
• Loss of appetite: Not feeling hungry
• Upper abdominal pain: Feeling pain on the right side of the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Abdominal swelling: Because of fluid buildup
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the eyes and skin⁹

How is liver cancer diagnosed?

To diagnose liver cancer, there are several steps:

• Medical history and physical exam: Assessing risk factors and physical signs
• Blood tests: Checking liver function and tumour markers like alpha-foetoprotein (AFP)
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to view the liver
• Biopsy: Taking a small tissue sample that will be used for examination¹⁰

It is important to detect any problems early, especially for those at a higher risk, by having regular check-ups.

What are the treatment options?

The treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and how well the liver is functioning. The main option for treatment is surgery, which can involve removing a part of the liver or, in more severe cases, a liver transplant could be needed. If surgery is not possible, ablation therapies may be used, which destroy cancer cells using heat or cold. Embolisation is another method by which the blood supply to the tumour is blocked, essentially "starving" it of the nutrients it needs to grow.¹⁰

Many different medications can be taken. Targeted therapies are drugs that are used to block specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise the cancer cells and destroy them. Chemotherapy is less common but also used for cancer.¹⁰

Can liver cancer be prevented? 

While you can’t always prevent liver cancer, there are many different steps you can take to lower your risk. One of the most effective is getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, which is a major cause of liver damage that can lead to cancer. If you already have liver issues like hepatitis C or cirrhosis, you must get checked often with blood tests and scans.¹¹

Having a healthy lifestyle is important. Maintaining a balanced weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake and eating healthy foods are changes that should be implemented. While these habits are simple, over time, they can make a big difference to your liver health.¹¹

What is the prognosis for liver cancer?

The outlook for liver cancer depends on several important factors. The main one is the stage it's found in. If found early, treatment is more effective and can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. The health of your liver plays a big role as well. Those with good liver health tend to respond better to treatment and have better outcomes.¹²

Treatment availability and how well your body responds to it also influence prognosis. Thanks to new treatments and earlier detection, outcomes are improving, especiallyIn most cases, the chance to live longer is getting better with new treatments and early checks, more so for those at a higher risk. Even though liver cancer can be challenging, finding it early and taking quick action can make a real difference.¹²

How can patients cope with liver cancer emotionally and practically?

Dealing with liver cancer can be tough, not just physically, but emotionally too. It’s normal to feel scared after being diagnosed. One of the best things you can do is talk to others. One way to find help is to join a support group. You can meet people who are going through something similar to you. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, palliative care can help.¹³

Summary

Early detection can help you get the right treatment sooner. Being aware of all the risk factors and symptoms is also important, as it helps you understand which therapies might be needed. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle should always be a priority. Liver cancer may not show clear signs early on. Therefore, people at high risk, such as those with long-term conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, should get checked regularly.

Protect your health by getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and avoiding harmful habits like excessive alcohol use and smoking. Staying informed about your condition and treatment options will empower you to make the best choices for your care. 

If you are diagnosed, remember that your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your physical treatment. Do not hesitate to join a support group or talk to a healthcare provider. Taking early action and building a strong support system can make a real difference. If you are unsure about your risk or have any concerns, talk to your doctor. It is never too early to take charge of your health.