What Are the Types of Primary Liver Cancer?
Primary liver cancer is further classified into four types depending on where it started. These types include:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Sometimes called hepatoma, this is the most common type of liver cancer which originates from the liver cells known as hepatocytes. It commonly affects individuals with chronic liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis B and C.
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) Also called bile duct cancer, this type starts from the bile ducts of the liver. It typically affects the elderly aged 65 and above.
Liver Angiosarcoma This is a rare type of cancer that develops in the inner lining of the blood vessels of the liver. Although rare, angiosarcoma is usually aggressive and grows quickly.
Hepatoblastoma This type of liver cancer typically affects children under 5 years old. It is more common among children born prematurely or those with very low birth weights.
What Are The Stages of Liver Cancer?
These are specific to the types of liver cancer. For example, for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, there are four stages, viz.
Stage 1 In the earliest stage, only one tumour is found, which has not spread to any other part or organ of the body.
Stage 2 During this stage, the tumour can be either singular (but has grown into surrounding blood vessels) or multiple tumours that are <=5cm.
Stage 3 There are single or multiple tumours with at least one >5cm, or involving a large branch of the portal vein or hepatic vein, invasion of surrounding organs, or perforation.
Stage 4 At this final stage, the liver cancer could be of any size or number, but the disease has spread to other locations in the body such as the lungs, bones, or lymph nodes.
Who Is at Risk of Liver Cancer?
People with fatty liver disease, significant alcohol consumption, or who are suffering from other liver diseases, including hepatitis B or C and liver cirrhosis, are at higher risk of developing this condition. Patients with a positive family history of liver cancer/hepatitis are also at a higher risk compared to the general population. Other than that, gender is also a factor, as studies have shown that men are more susceptible to liver cancer as compared to women.
Peace of mind comes from taking action early. If you or a loved one are at a higher risk of liver cancer, schedule a screening today.
How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
If you have symptoms or are at high risk for liver cancer, your doctor may order various tests and procedures to detect liver cancer. These tests may include:
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Tumour Marker Test This is a blood test used to detect tumour or cancer markers released into the blood. High levels of AFP may indicate liver cancer or other liver diseases. However, liver cancer may also be present even with normal levels of AFP.
Liver Imaging Tests Common imaging tests for liver cancer include liver ultrasounds, which use sound waves to create images of the liver and detect tumours. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide detailed, 3D views of the liver and surrounding organs, helping to identify the size and location of tumours.
Liver Function Tests Blood tests measuring liver-produced substances, such as proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin, can help detect liver cancer. Elevated levels of these substances may signal liver damage or disease, including liver cancer.
Liver Biopsy This test involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for testing. It can provide a definitive diagnosis of liver cancer. However, due to the risks of bleeding, bruising, and infection, biopsies are often not recommended.
What Are the Treatment Options for Liver Cancer?
Curative options for liver cancer: Surgery (liver transplant or liver resection “removal of tumour”) is considered a curative option. Newer ablation techniques including radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation can potentially be curative in smaller tumours i.e. less than 3 cm in size, and located in a favourable site in the liver. Similar to other types of cancers, liver cancer can also be treated by surgery wherein the cancerous tissue or affected part of the liver is removed. In some cases, the liver may be entirely removed and replaced with the donor organ (liver transplant procedure).
Palliative Options: Transarterial chemoembolisation, selective internal radiation therapy with Yttrium-90, percutaneous ethanol injection, chemotherapy or immunotherapy are considered palliative options. These options can control liver cancer but are not considered curative. These options are generally discussed if surgical options are not deemed suitable for patients. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be used to kill cancerous cells while preventing disease recurrence.
Protect your liver health and reduce your risk of cancer.
Schedule a consultation with our liver surgeon today for a thorough liver cancer screening.
