Frequently Asked Questions around Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a rarer type of cancer that affects a small percentage of the population. Technically, there are three types of liver cancer, the most common being hepatocellular carcinoma that begins in hepatocytes which is the main type of liver cell. Interestingly, cancer originating in the liver is less common. Cancer that spreads from other parts of the body such as lung, breast, stomach, and intestine are more common. These are called metastatic cancers. Many patients have asked lots of questions about liver cancer. To help you know what to do, Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy put together some common questions (FAQs) that cover important things about liver cancer.
Liver cancer is often linked to hepatitis B or C, too much drinking, and having a fatty liver. Sometimes, family history can increase the risk.
Liver cancer shows itself through unexplained weight loss, tummy pain, yellow skin (jaundice), and overwhelming tiredness.
To find out if you have liver cancer, doctors use methods like CT scans and biopsies. These tests help them see what's happening inside your liver.
You can lower your chances by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, cutting down on alcohol, and staying at a healthy weight.
Liver cancer can be managed using different methods, like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or even a liver transplant, based on how far the cancer has progressed.
If it's caught early, liver cancer can be cured. Even if it isn't, treatments can still help control the illness.
Survival rates differ, but finding it early and getting treatment greatly increases your chances.
Your food choices matter when you're battling liver cancer. Eating the right foods can make you feel better and boost the impact of your treatment.
Absolutely, liver cancer can spread, but seeking help early and undergoing treatment can help hinder or halt its spread.
Liver cancer is one of the cancers where we may not need a biopsy to make decisions about your care. Sometimes, liver cancer can be reliably diagnosed on imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs. It's important to talk to your doctor and your medical team to determine whether a biopsy is necessary as part of your care plan.
Liver transplants as mentioned before are not complicated and are fairly successful. The success rate depends on the general health of the donor and recipient, their ages, and any medication consumed by them in recent weeks.