diagnosis
Liver cancer can be diagnosed through a blood test, ultrasound, computer tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or liver biopsy.
prevention
- Vaccinate against Hepatitis B
- Test for Hepatitis C if you are at risk and for all adults born between 1945 and 1975
- Consume a healthy, balanced diet and introduce physical activity to your daily routine to prevent MAFLD
- Individuals at risk of liver cancer should be monitored regularly by their doctor to increase chance of early detection
lifestyle management
Symptom management is an important aspect of coping with liver cancer, and it can make you or a loved one more comfortable. Below you will find some lifestyle tips that may help you manage the symptoms of liver cancer. Be sure to check with your doctor before adjusting your lifestyle if you’re living with liver cancer.
- Alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and meditation can help with pain management and mindfulness.
- Exposure to bright light can help boost your mood and humidity can prevent skin irritation and itchiness.
- Eating regular and smaller meals can help with nausea and digestion. Staying hydrated can prevent fatigue.
- Low-impact physical activities like walking, stretching, or swimming can benefit brain and physical health.
treatment
Different treatment options of hepatocellular carcinoma depends on the stage of the cancer (size and growth of tumours):
- Surgery (partial hepatectomy) is used for individuals with good liver function or for those with small tumours. However, if the cancer is large or found in many different parts of the liver, or in many people with cirrhosis, there is not enough healthy liver left to allow for removal of a portion of the liver.
- Tumour ablation refers to various methods used to destroy the tumour without removing it and includes radiofrequency ablation, microwave therapy, and cryoablation.
- Embolization refers to blocking or reducing blood flow in the hepatic artery (feeds the liver with blood), which stops tumour growth. Chemoembolization combines embolization with anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy) while radioembolization delivers beads with radiation.
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are other methods used to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted drug therapy are medications that target specific abnormalities within the cancer cells (e.g their genes, protein, tissue) without harming normal cells. They are considered first line therapy and their use is limited to those who remain active and well, and do not have liver failure.
- Immunotherapies act on specific parts of the immune system to better fight cancer cells and is often used if other treatments are ineffective.
Most cancers of the liver begin elsewhere in the body and are spread to the liver. These cancers are not curable through liver transplantation. Tumours that start in the liver are usually detected in an advanced stage. They are also rarely cured by a liver transplant. If the primary liver cancer is small and confined to the liver, a liver transplant may be considered.
