Understanding this cancer
Primary liver cancer starts in the liver; hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type in adults. It is different from cancer that began elsewhere and spread to the liver. Liver function and the extent of cirrhosis are central to treatment planning.
Signs to discuss with a doctor
Possible symptoms include upper-right abdominal discomfort, swelling, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or worsening weakness. Early liver cancer may cause no symptoms.
Risk factors
Chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, harmful alcohol use, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, aflatoxin exposure and some inherited disorders increase risk.
Tests and diagnosis
Assessment commonly uses liver-protocol CT or MRI, blood tests including liver function and sometimes AFP, and review of underlying liver disease. Some lesions can be diagnosed from characteristic imaging; others require biopsy.
Treatment approaches
Options may include resection, transplantation, thermal ablation, transarterial treatment, radiotherapy or systemic therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted medicines. Suitability depends on tumour burden, liver reserve, blood-vessel involvement and general health.
Prevention and screening
Hepatitis B vaccination, prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis, safer alcohol use, healthy weight and control of metabolic disease can reduce risk. People with cirrhosis or selected hepatitis B profiles may need regular ultrasound-based surveillance under specialist care.
Questions for your care team
Is this primary liver cancer or a metastasis? What is the liver function score? Has the case been reviewed by liver surgery, interventional radiology and oncology? Which local and systemic options are realistic?