Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Advanced Treatment

Liver cancer is a life-threatening but increasingly manageable disease when detected early and treated by experienced specialists. It primarily affects the liver cells (hepatocytes) and is often linked with chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis infections.

If you’re searching for reliable and expert liver cancer treatment in Ahmedabad, Dr. Maunil Tomar, an experienced HPB (Hepatopancreatobiliary) and GI cancer surgeon, provides state-of-the-art care with a multidisciplinary and minimally invasive approach.

🧬 What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is classified into two major types:

• Primary liver cancer – Starts in the liver itself. The most common type is Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

• Secondary (metastatic) liver cancer – Originates elsewhere (e.g., colon, pancreas) and spreads to the liver.

Chronic liver damage due to infections, alcohol, or fatty liver disease significantly increases risk.

⚠️ Risk Factors for Liver Cancer

• Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection

• Liver cirrhosis (from alcohol, NAFLD, or autoimmune diseases)

• Hemochromatosis and other genetic liver disorders

• Aflatoxin exposure (contaminated food)

• Obesity and diabetes

• Smoking

People with liver cirrhosis should undergo routine liver ultrasound and AFP blood tests every 6 months for early detection.

🚨 Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer may remain asymptomatic early on, but can later present with:

• Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

• Fatigue

• Abdominal swelling

• Fever

Any of these symptoms warrant prompt evaluation by a liver cancer specialist in Ahmedabad.

🔬 Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

• Ultrasound / Triphasic Contrast CT / MRI – For liver mass detection and staging

• AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) – Tumor marker for HCC

• Liver Biopsy – When imaging is inconclusive

• Liver Function Tests – To assess baseline hepatic reserve

• PET-CT – For metastatic workup (in select cases)

Dr. Maunil Tomar employs high-resolution imaging and minimally invasive diagnostics to plan precise liver cancer treatment strategies.

🛠️ Liver Cancer Treatment Options

🏥 1. Liver Surgery (Curative for Selected Patients)

• Liver Tumor Resection (Hepatectomy)

• Anatomical Segmentectomy – Removal of affected liver segments

• Non-anatomical Liver Resection – In select early-stage cases

• Laparoscopic / Robotic Liver Surgery – Minimally invasive approach, faster recovery

💉 2. Locoregional Therapies (for unresectable tumors)

• TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization)

• RFA / MWA (Radiofrequency or Microwave Ablation)

• TARE (Transarterial Radioembolization)

💊 3. Systemic Therapy

• Targeted therapies (e.g., Sorafenib, Lenvatinib)

• Immunotherapy – Especially for advanced HCC or second-line treatment

🌱 4. Liver Transplantation

• For patients with early HCC and underlying cirrhosis (within Milan criteria)

📅 When Should You Consult a Liver Cancer Specialist?

• Known cirrhosis or hepatitis B/C infection

• Liver mass found on ultrasound or CT

• Sudden onset jaundice or weight loss

• History of liver cancer in the family

Early diagnosis can be lifesaving. Schedule your evaluation with Dr. Maunil Tomar – liver cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad, for personalized and advanced care.