Liver cancer, a serious medical condition that affects one of the body’s vital organs, is a distressing diagnosis that demands expert care and compassion. At Airavat Cancer Care in Ahmedabad, we recognize the emotional and physical challenges faced by those dealing with liver cancer and are dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment and support. Renowned as one of the premier liver cancer treatment hospital in Ahmedabad, our commitment extends beyond medical expertise to encompass the well-being and hope of every patient and their loved ones. With a team of highly skilled oncologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists and hepatologists, we strive to offer cutting-edge treatments and personalized care, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Your journey towards recovery is our paramount concern, and we stand firmly by your side in the battle against liver cancer, working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes. Airavat Cancer Care provides the best liver cancer doctor in Ahmedabad.
Types of Liver Cancer
There are following main types of liver cancer, according to the best liver cancer hospitals in India. All these types of liver cancers are serious and tend to recur.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
HCC or hepatoma is the most common type of liver cancer. In most cases, it occurs because of hepatitis B or C. Cirrhosis of the liver caused due to alcohol abuse is another reason.
Fibrolamellar HCC
This is a rare type of Liver cancer and is more responsive to treatments. It typically occurs in young adults between the ages of 20 to 40 without any gender predilection. Unlike Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Fibrolamellar HCC does not have any association with cirrhosis, hepatitis, or alcoholism
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
This type of liver cancer occurs in the bile ducts of the liver, resulting in intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. It accounts for 10-20% of all liver cancers.
Angiosarcoma
It starts in the blood vessels of the liver and proliferates. It is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Hepatoblastoma
It is a rare cancer that occurs in children.
Causes of Liver Cancer
In several cases of liver cancer, the causes are unknown. Primary liver cancer is caused as a result of damage of the liver by birth defects, chronic infection with diseases like hepatitis B & C, alcohol abuse, cirrhosis, and a hereditary disease known as hemochromatosis that is associated with a high amount of iron in the liver. Statistics reveal that more than half of the individuals affected with liver cancer have cirrhosis. Liver Cirrhosis is a condition referred to as scarred liver caused due to alcohol abuse. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and hemochromatosis can cause permanent damage to the liver, ultimately giving rise to liver failure. In several cases of liver cancer, it is linked with fatty liver disease and obesity.
Here are a few risk factors that increase the chances of causing liver cancer.
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking too much alcohol over a long period
- Having diabetes
- Having other liver diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and cirrhosis
- Presence of a family history of liver diseases
- Males are more likely to get liver cancer as compared to women
It is always recommended to get the best liver cancer treatment in Ahmedabad to get relief from the disease in the most appropriate manner.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Here are a few major signs and symptoms of liver cancer that you need to look out for.
- Pain in the upper abdominal region associated with discomfort
- White and chalky stools
- Swelling in the upper abdominal region
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin and white region of the eyes known as jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue and tiredness
- Weakness
- Bruising or bleeding very easily
Liver Cancer Diagnosis
Liver cancer can be diagnosed through a variety of tests and procedures, including:
Blood tests: These tests help check how well the liver functions and look for certain chemicals in the blood that may be signs of cancer.
Imaging tests: These tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, create liver images to look for tumors or other abnormalities.
Liver biopsy: This procedure involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. A liver biopsy is usually only necessary if other tests are not able to provide a definitive diagnosis. Liver biopsy is a relatively safe procedure, but it does carry some risks, such as bleeding, bruising, and infection.
Diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment of any disease, including liver cancer. Airavat Cancer Care offers liver cancer specialists in Ahmedabad, the latest diagnostic technologies, enabling early and accurate diagnosis of liver cancer, giving patients the best possible chance of recovery. We also have a team of experienced and highly skilled doctors who specialize in liver cancer diagnosis.
Liver Cancer Treatment Options
The most common treatment options for liver cancer are as follows.
Hepatectomy: It is a surgical procedure performed to remove a portion of the affected liver with cancer or all of the liver. The surgery is only done when the cancer is limited to the liver and has not spread to other parts. After the surgery, healthy tissues will regrow over time and replace the part that is missing as a result of the surgical removal.
Chemotherapy: It is a form of liver cancer treatment with drugs that destroy the cancer cells. The drugs are injected into the veins. Chemotherapy can prove to be an effective treatment option for liver cancer but comes with an array of side effects like chills, vomiting, and reduced appetite.
Embolization and Chemoembolization: These are surgical procedures used for treating liver cancer. The surgeries are performed to block off the hepatic artery which reduces the flow of blood into the tumor. Small sponges or other particles are used to create the blockage. Chemotherapy drugs are injected into the hepatic artery in case of chemoembolization before injecting the particles to block the hepatic artery. It is to make sure that the injected chemotherapy drugs stay in the liver for a longer time.
Liver Transplant: The procedure involves the complete replacement of an affected liver with a healthy liver from a donor. A liver transplant is only performed when the cancer is limited to the liver and has not spread to other parts or organs.
Ablation: The treatment procedure makes use of heat or ethanol injections to destroy the cells of cancer. Ablation happens to be a suitable treatment option for liver cancer when the affected individuals are not suitable candidates for a liver transplant or surgery.
Radiation Therapy: The therapy uses radiation beams of high energy to destroy the cancer cells. The high-energy radiation can be delivered by either internal radiation or external beam radiation. The radiation is targeted at the abdomen and chest in case of external beam radiation. On the other hand, in the case of internal radiation, a catheter is used to inject very small radioactive spheres into the hepatic artery destroying the hepatic artery that carries blood to the liver. This, in turn, reduces the flow of blood to the tumor.
Targeted Therapy: The procedure uses medications that target the cancer cells. These medications help reduce the growth of the tumor and cut down the supply of blood to the tumor. Targeted therapy is performed on affected individuals who are not suitable for a liver transplant or hepatectomy.
It is to be kept in mind to go for the best liver cancer treatment in Ahmedabad to get the intended results.
Life after Liver Cancer Treatment
After a successful liver cancer treatment, you too can live a normal life and resume your daily activities. It is important to follow the directions given by your doctor. Post-treatment, the patient is required to make healthy choices and efforts to stay fit. It will indeed take some time for the patient to recover completely both physically and mentally. Here are a few things that can help the patient in recovering fast.
- Take adequate rest and give some time to self
- Do not include tasks in your work routine that require strenuous efforts from your end
- Avoid it for at least some time post the treatment
- Socialise more, it will help make you feel better
- Exercise regularly, but moderation should be the key
- Start having a healthy diet with lots of green vegetables and avoid junk food
In case of discomfort, visit the physician at the earliest
Follow-Up Care After Liver Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad
The physician offering liver cancer treatment in India will conduct periodic medical check-ups to monitor whether the cancer has recurred. A series of physical examinations, medical tests, or both methods can be used as follow-up care by the concerned physician. The doctor will also check whether there are any side effects of the treatment. Whatever changes you feel in your body post-treatment, let your physician be aware of it, so that a proper follow-up care routine is designed.
FAQs
1. What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the liver. It can manifest as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common form, or other types such as cholangiocarcinoma. Factors such as chronic liver diseases, hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol abuse, and certain genetic conditions may contribute to the development of liver cancer.
2. Who treats liver cancer?
Liver cancer is typically treated by a team of healthcare professionals, and the specific specialists involved may depend on the individual case. Oncologists, hepatologists, and gastroenterologists are the primary healthcare professionals involved in treating liver cancer.
3. What is the main cause of liver cancer?
The main cause of liver cancer is often attributed to the development of chronic liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis. Chronic infections with hepatitis B or C viruses, long-term excessive alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are significant contributors to the progression of liver damage and the subsequent development of liver cancer. In cirrhosis, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, increasing the risk of malignant transformation.
4. Can liver cancer be cured successfully?
The chances of successfully curing liver cancer depend on factors such as the stage at which it is diagnosed, the overall health of the patient, and treatment options. In some cases, especially if detected early, surgical interventions, transplantation, or other therapies may offer a chance of cure. However, outcomes vary, and advanced stages of liver cancer may be more challenging to treat successfully.
5. Can you live a long life after liver cancer?
Survival and life expectancy after liver cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis, treatment effectiveness, overall health, and individual response to therapy. Some individuals, especially those diagnosed at an early stage or successfully treated, can live a long life. However, advanced stages may present more challenges, and outcomes vary. Regular medical follow-ups and adherence to a healthcare plan can contribute to a better quality of life and long-term survival.
6. What is the most successful treatment for liver cancer?
The most successful treatment for liver cancer depends on factors such as the stage of cancer, the overall health of the patient, and tumor characteristics. Treatment options may include surgery, liver transplantation, ablation therapies, and targeted drug therapies. The optimal approach is determined on a case-by-case basis, often through a combination of treatments tailored to the individual’s specific situation.
7. What is the role of hepatitis B and C in liver cancer?
Hepatitis B or C virus is a significant risk factor for liver cancer. These viruses can cause ongoing inflammation in the liver, which can lead to the development of liver cancer over time.
8. Can liver cancer be prevented?
While it is not always possible to prevent liver cancer, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. This includes getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, avoiding exposure to hepatitis C, getting treated for hepatitis B and C as needed, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing diabetes.
