Liver Cancer Treatment

Advanced Care for Liver Cancer

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the liver grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which begins in the main liver cells called hepatocytes. At Zydus Hospitals, one of the top liver cancer hospitals in India, our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive diagnosis and liver cancer treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition.

Understanding Liver Cancer

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient processing.

Liver cancer can arise from liver cells (primary liver cancer) or spread from other organs (secondary/metastatic cancer). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form, followed by intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

Primary Liver Cancers: The most common is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), followed by Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), and Fibrolamellar carcinoma (rare).

Secondary Liver Cancers (Metastases): These arise from cancers of the colon, breast, pancreas, lung, and stomach. We are equipped to manage all types of liver tumors and have a dedicated Liver Tumor Board.

Causes and Risk Factors

Certain liver conditions can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, including:

• Chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection

• Cirrhosis caused by alcohol use or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Genetic and metabolic disorders

• Long-term exposure to aflatoxins (toxins from mold in contaminated food)

• Obesity and diabetes

Over time, these factors damage liver cells and can lead to liver cancer, and liver transplant being considered as part of advanced treatment options.

High-risk groups:

People with the following conditions should undergo screening every 6 months:

• Cirrhosis (any cause)

• Hepatitis B (even without cirrhosis)

• Hepatitis C

• NASH/NAFLD with fibrosis

• Alcoholic liver disease

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen

• Swelling (ascites)

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• White or pale-colored stools

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting

• General fatigue and weakness

• Early satiety

• Vomiting blood (variceal bleeding)

High-risk patients (cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C) should undergo regular screening.

Book an appointment with a liver cancer specialist in Ahmedabad if you notice these warning signs, as early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

Diagnosis involves a combination of physical evaluation and advanced imaging studies. Tests may include:

• Liver function tests and tumor markers (AFP - Alpha-fetoprotein)

• Ultrasound

• MRI Liver (with dynamic contrast): gold standard for identifying liver tumors, especially HCC.

• Triple-phase CT Scan: Evaluates tumor characteristics, staging, and vascular invasion

• Liver Biopsy (selected cases only): Used when imaging is inconclusive.

• PET-CT and Bone Scan: Essential for metastasis evaluation and treatment planning.

• Tumor Board Evaluation

• Assessment for liver cancer surgery or transplant eligibility

A multidisciplinary approach ensures precise staging and personalized treatment planning. The decision is taken by hepatologists, liver surgeons, oncologists, interventional radiologists, liver transplant specialists and the liver ICU team. This ensures the best treatment is chosen for each patient.

Liver Cancer Treatment Options

At Zydus Hospitals, recognized among the best liver cancer hospitals in India, offers the widest range of treatment options depending on the stage of cancer, liver function, and overall health.

Treatment options include:

• Liver Surgery (Hepatectomy / Liver Resection): It is a curative treatment for early-stage liver cancer if surrounding liver is healthy enough. This is performed using minimally invasive techniques (selected cases), advanced intra-operative imaging, precision blood-loss control, and dedicated liver ICU for recovery.

• Liver Transplant: For select patients with early-stage liver cancer, a liver transplant for liver cancer offers the potential for a complete cure. It is also considered in patients with early HCC who fall within transplant criteria, or have poor underlying liver function (cirrhosis) or have a recurrence despite therapy. Transplant offers great long-term survival benefits in selected patients.

• Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy: Uses heat to destroy cancer cells and tumours (≤ 3 cm)

• Embolization Therapy: Includes Transarterial Embolization (TAE) and Trans-arterial Chemoembolization (TACE), which delivers chemotherapy directly into the tumor’s blood supply.

• Microwave ablation Therapy: These are ideal for patients unfit for surgery or have tumors that are smaller in size/are in intermediate stage. It is also used as a bridging therapy before transplant.

• Systematic Therapy: Includes

• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Help attack specific cancer cells and boost the immune response.

• Chemotherapy: Used when cancer has spread or when other therapies are not feasible.

• Combination Therapy: In this case, the treatment is based on stage, liver function, genetic markers, and performance status

• Palliative and Supportive Care: This treatment focuses on pain control, nutrition, ascites management, and psychological support to ensure patient comfort and better quality of life.

Each treatment plan is devised and reviewed by our oncology and hepatology teams to ensure optimal outcomes.

Liver Transplant for Liver Cancer

A liver transplant is usually considered for patients in whom cancer is confined to the liver and meets specific transplant criteria. During this procedure, the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver.

Though liver cancer and liver transplant may scare most patients, it is crucial to remember with recent advancements, liver transplant offers long-term survival benefits for patients who meet medical eligibility. With early detection and comprehensive treatment, many patients can achieve long-term remission and a good quality of life.

Zydus’ transplant team evaluates blood group compatibility, cancer stage, and overall health before proceeding. Zydus has a strong background in Living Donor Liver Transplants or Deceased Donor Liver Transplant programs.

Recovery and Follow-Up

After liver cancer treatment in Ahmedabad, patients are closely monitored for liver function, recurrence, and side effects. Follow-up may include imaging, blood tests, and supportive care.

Expert Liver Cancer Care at Zydus Hospitals

Zydus Hospitals is a leading liver cancer center in India, which offers evidence-based treatment supported using advanced surgical technology and experienced specialists. We offer full-spectrum of treatment (surgery, transplant, TACE/TARE, systemic therapy) and advanced imaging that includes High-resolution MRI, CT & PET-CT with liver-specific protocols under one roof.

Our specialised Liver ICU enables us to take care of high-risk and post-transplant patients.

We have on board, one of the best liver cancer doctors who collaborate across oncology, hepatology, and transplant surgery teams to deliver transparent and evidence-based care.