Liver Cancer: What You Should Know

Cancer that starts in the liver cells is called Liver Cancer. Inside the liver, there could be several types of cancer that develop. The most common kind of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which starts in the hepatocyte or the main kind of liver cell. Other liver cancer types include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma.

Causes

When there are changes in the liver cells, liver cancer develops. In such scenarios, cells may grow exponentially and in the final stage they could form a cancerous tumour too. Another cause of liver cancer is chronic hepatitis infections. But often, liver cancer develops without any underlying diseases, so its cause is unknown.

Symptoms

In the initial stages, people do not show any signs or symptoms of liver cancer. However, later, when they do develop, they are identified as:

• Jaundice
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• White, chalky textured stools
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• General weakness
• Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

The various tests to diagnose liver cancer are:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests: These include CT scan, MRI and ultrasound.
• Biopsy

Treatment

The extent of the spread of the liver cancer will determine the course of treatment. However, the various options include:

Surgery: Here, a part of the liver is surgically removed.

Liver transplant: In place of the cancerous liver, a healthy one is taken from someone.

Ablation therapy: Cancer cells are killed through this procedure without surgery. The doctor uses laser, heat or by injecting an acid or alcohol directly into the cancer cells.

Embolization: Blood supply to the cancer cells are blocked by this procedure.

Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Medicine is given to kill cancer cells. It could be given orally or through injection.

Targeted agent: Oral medication is given to prolong the life of the patient to three months.

Clinical trial: Specific treatments are given in a careful and controlled manner to see if a new therapy works or not.

Why Rela Hospital

Advantages/Expertise

With a rise in liver cancer patients, it stands to reason to have a dedicated institute just to serve such patients. With this motive in mind, Dr Rela, world renowned liver disease specialist, set up the Dr Rela Hospital, Chennai, India.

Little did he realize that his dream of being the best liver cancer treatment hospital would soon be a reality. A dream, hard work and the result is there for all to see. Today, this liver cancer hospital in Chennai is among the best ever in this niche field.

With modern technology, internationally renowned hepatologists and trained support staff, this hospital has got the reputation of being one that genuinely works hard to do its best for its patients.

Under the leadership of Dr Rela, the best paediatric liver specialist in Chennai, the medical centre goes from strength to strength, with patients going home satisfied for timely and accurate treatment at affordable prices.

To know more, call for an appointment on +91 9384681770