Liver cancer begins in your liver cells, which sits in the upper right corner of the abdomen. Liver Cancer is the fifth most commonly occurring cancer all over the world in men. In women, it is the ninth most commonly occurring cancer. The number of cases found in the year 2018 was over 840,000. The

Liver cancer begins in your liver cells, which sits in the upper right corner of the abdomen. Liver Cancer is the fifth most commonly occurring cancer all over the world in men. In women, it is the ninth most commonly occurring cancer. The number of cases found in the year 2018 was over 840,000. There are many treatment options available for liver cancer, which depends on the stage at which it is detected, the liver's general health, and also the overall health of the patient.

About the Treatment

1. What is the procedure?

Treatment of liver cancer is dependent upon the following factors: 

• the size, number, and location of the tumors present in the liver

• the functioning of the liver 

• presence of cirrhosis 

• the spread of the tumor to other organs

Liver cancer treatment is done by following these:

• Hepatectomy is a surgical resection in which either the liver or just a portion of the liver is removed. 

• Liver Transplant means the replacement of the entire liver, which is diseased, with a healthy liver from any donor. 

• Ablation involves the use of ethanol injections or heat for destroying the cancer cells. Local anesthesia is used for performing this. 

• Chemotherapy, a form of drug therapy, is quite aggressive. It helps in the destruction of the cancer cells to a great extent. 

• Radiation Therapy involves using high-energy radiation beams that kill cancer cells. 

• Targeted Therapy hit cancer cells where they’re vulnerable with the use of specifically designed medications. 

• Embolization and Chemoembolization are surgical procedures done for blocking off the hepatic artery which does not allow liver cancer to grow.

 The liver transplant cost in India stands around  USD 33,182 – USD 46,455. For better advice, the experts of Medinirvana can be contacted, for they provide the best service.

 2. What are the signs and symptoms?

• Loss in weight

• Loss of appetite 

• Pain in the upper abdomen.

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue and general weakness.

• Stools which are white and chalky

• Swelling in the abdomen

• Yellow discoloration of whites of the eyes and the skin. (jaundice)

3. How is it diagnosed?

• Ultrasound – This is the first imaging used.

• CT Scan – detailed cross-sectional images of the body can be taken.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues.

• Serum Tumor Marker – Helps in screening for liver cancer with Alpha-fetoprotein blood test (AFP).

• Liver Biopsy – A thin needle is inserted and goes through the skin into the liver for obtaining a sample of the tissue.

4. What are the treatment options available?

Surgery:

• Surgery for removing the tumor – Surgery is recommended by your doctor if your liver function is good and the tumor is small. In surgery, liver cancer and a small portion of healthy liver tissue around it are removed.

• Liver Transplant Surgery – The diseased liver gets replaced in this surgery with a healthy liver from a donor.

Localized treatments-

These are for liver cancer, which is directly administered to the cancer cells or the area surrounding those cancer cells, including:

• Heating cancer cells – In this electric current to heat and destroy cancer cells is used by radiofrequency ablation.

• Freezing cancer cells – In this extreme cold to destroy cancer cells is used by cryoablation.

• Injection of alcohol to the tumor – Pure alcohol is injected directly into tumors, either during an operation or through the skin. The tumor cells die because of alcohol. (4)

• Injection of chemotherapy drugs to the liver – Chemoembolization a type of chemotherapy that supplies potent anti-cancer drugs to the liver directly.

• Placing radiation filled beads in the liver – To deliver radiation straight to the tumor, tiny spheres containing radiation are placed directly in the liver.

Liver transplant in India is legal but is bound by specific clauses to stop any kind of unethical practices. For better clarity on the subject, the experts of Medinirva can be contacted. They will guide you throughout your medical journey.

5. What are the different stages involved?

The results of the pathology test determine the staging of liver cancer. There are four liver cancer stages:-

Stage A: There are no symptoms seen in this as it is the beginning stage with a tumour. In this stage:

• The size of the tumour is smaller than 2 cm. 

• The pressure in the portal vein is not increased. 

• The levels of Bilirubin are normal. 

• Surgery is usually recommended.

Stage B: There are still no symptoms but there is the presence of multinodular tumours. In this stage:

• The tumor is now smaller than 5 cm. 

• Function of the liver varies. 

• Bilirubin levels are also normal

• Patients in this stage are candidates for a liver transplant, surgery, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Stage C: Symptoms begin to show as the multinodular tumours rapidly start invading the healthy parts of the liver. In Stage C:

• The size of the tumor will get large or there may be presence of multiple tumors. 

• In these regional therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization are recommended by doctors.

Stage D: The symptoms become very evident and need immediate medical attention. Targeted therapy is usually recommended in this stage.

Liver Cancer Treatment Cost In India:

Compared to the global counterparts, the liver cancer treatment cost in India is very affordable. The Liver Cancer treatment price in India stands between USD 3,982 to USD 5,309.