Liver cancer is the 6th most common cancer. Globally, the prevalence of liver cancer is on the rise, closely associated with the lifestyle choices we make today. Unhealthy food habits, limited physical activity, excess weight, regular alcohol intake, and untreated liver infections can slowly damage the liver over time. Along with lifestyle factors, hereditary conditions also play a role—if liver disease or related conditions run in the family, the risk can be higher. Many liver problems develop silently, without obvious symptoms, but they continue to put strain on the liver.
The liver has a remarkable ability to heal itself; however, repeated damage can diminish this capacity. Each time the liver attempts to repair itself, scar tissue may form. Over the years, this scarring can weaken the liver and increase the chance of cancer. This is why early care matters. Healthy lifestyle choices, awareness of family history, and timely medical attention can help protect the liver and lower the risk of serious disease. Let’s scroll down and learn more about liver cancer, its treatment options, risk factors, warning signs, treatment options, and preventive tips.
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Early detection of liver cancer is challenging, mainly because the disease often develops quietly. In its initial stages, liver cancer usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. Small tumors are difficult to detect during a physical examination, as most of the liver is protected by the rib cage. The tumor may already be quite large by the time a lump becomes palpable.
Currently, there are no routine screening tests recommended for people at average risk who have no symptoms or prior liver disease. This makes awareness even more important. However, for people at higher risk—such as those with chronic liver disease, long-standing liver infections, heavy alcohol use, or a family history of liver conditions—regular monitoring may be advised.
If detected early, liver cancer can be treated with a much higher success rate. Early treatment helps preserve liver function, improves quality of life, and increases survival chances. Staying aware of the warning signs is important, but understanding your personal risk factors is even more crucial. Being informed allows for timely medical attention and can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Read Also: Liver Cancer in Children and its Treatment
Cirrhosis, a liver disease characterized by liver tissue scarring, is the main cause of liver cancer. The following are the risk factors that contribute to the progression of liver scarring:
A change in the DNA of normally functioning liver cells can lead to cancer. DNA carries the genetic instructions for cellular activity. All organisms contain the genes that regulate cell growth, division, and death. One example is oncogenes, which promote cell growth and division. Tumor suppressor genes prevent cells from uncontrolled multiplication. These genes also support the normal process of cell death.
Our cells receive altered instructions whenever our DNA mutates. Certain medical conditions and specific factors that impact your liver's DNA may increase your risk of developing liver cancer.
The liver cancer symptoms are
There are four stages of liver cancer. These are
| Stage | Description |
| Stage 0 / Stage I / Very Early Stage | A single tumor in the liver, measuring less than 2 centimeters (cm), or about 4/5 of an inch. |
| Stage II / Stage A / Early Stage | A single tumor can measure up to 5 cm (2 inches), or several tumors smaller than 3 cm (1 1/4 inches). It involves cancer spreading to nearby blood vessels. |
| Stage III / Stage B / Intermediate Stage | More than one tumor and/or a tumor that is 5 cm or larger. It involves lymph nodes, large blood vessels, or nearby organs. |
| Stage IV / Stage C / Advanced Stage | The cancer has spread to the rest of the body's organs, including the lungs or bones. |
The following are the stage-wise treatment options for liver cancer:
| Liver Cancer Stages | Treatment Options | Side Effects of Liver Cancer Treatments |
| Stage I (Early stage) | Surgery, ablation, liver transplant | Pain at the surgery site, fatigue, and infection risk |
| Stage II–III (Locally advanced) | Surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation | Tiredness, nausea, skin reactions, appetite loss |
| Stage IV (Advanced stage) | Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy | Fatigue, hair thinning, nausea, weakness |
| Supportive care (any stage) | Palliative and supportive care | Drowsiness, constipation, nausea (from medications) |
Though preventing liver cancer is not possible, certain steps can reduce your risk of getting it:
Liver cancer, a potentially fatal disease, can stay undetected until it has progressed significantly. This limits your treatment choices. If your healthcare team detects cancer early, they can take steps to prevent its progression. The doctors can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Liver cancer treatment at BMCHRC involves multidisciplinary care with innovative and advanced treatment options. For the best liver cancer care, choose BMCHRC. Book your consultation now!
Q1: What is the prognosis of liver cancer?
A: The outlook depends a lot on how early the cancer is found and how healthy the liver is. When detected early, treatment can work well, and outcomes are much better.
Q2: What is the survival rate of liver cancer?
A: Survival rates vary by stage. Early-stage liver cancer has a higher chance of long-term survival, while advanced stages are harder to treat but can still be managed with modern therapies.
Q3: What is the right liver cancer diet and nutrition?
A: A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains helps support liver health. Limiting alcohol and processed foods is especially important during treatment.
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