Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. This type of cancer typically develops due to chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
There are various types of primary liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma is the most prevalent. Approximately 90% of liver cancer cases are hepatocellular carcinoma. HCC generally develops from chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis.
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What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. This cancer develops due to chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C infections.
Nearly 85% of HCC cases are diagnosed in individuals who already have cirrhosis. When detected early, hepatocellular carcinoma has a high chance of being treated successfully. However, many people remain unaware of the condition because symptoms only appear when cancer cells have significantly progressed.
This is why individuals with high risk factors for liver cancer should undergo regular annual screenings for early detection and prevention.
Symptoms of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
In its early stages, hepatocellular carcinoma may not present noticeable symptoms due to its slow development. However, HCC is an aggressive cancer that grows rapidly.
Some common symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma to watch out for include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Abdominal swelling
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Pale, clay-colored stools
- A feeling of fullness due to liver or spleen enlargement
Causes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The majority of hepatocellular carcinoma cases are caused by cirrhosis, which is permanent liver damage resulting from scarring. This scarring leads to liver hardening and impaired function, developing over years of continuous liver damage.
In other words, long-term chronic liver disease increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
Several factors can heighten the risk of HCC, including:
- Chronic hepatitis B and C infections
- Cirrhosis
- Family history of liver disease
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Fatty liver disease (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Diagnosis
Doctors typically perform a physical examination to check the liver’s condition and size. They will look for signs of liver tumors or liver enlargement.
Additionally, doctors may recommend several diagnostic tests, such as:
- Blood tests, including liver function tests, complete blood count, and HCC tumor marker tests
- Imaging tests, such as liver ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and angiography
- Liver biopsy
Treatment
Treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma depends on the cancer stage, the spread of cancer cells, and overall health condition.
Some treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include:
- Surgical removal of cancer cells (hepatectomy)
- Liver transplant
- Liver cancer ablation (radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation)
- Embolization therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Liver cancer can often be treated successfully with these methods, especially if detected in the early stages.
Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a preventable type of cancer. Prevention primarily focuses on avoiding liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Several ways to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma include:
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and C
- Practicing safe sexual behavior
Hepatocellular carcinoma has a high chance of successful treatment if detected early. Therefore, if you are at high risk for liver cancer, it is essential to undergo regular health check-ups for early detection and prevention.
Consult a specialist in internal medicine if you experience symptoms related to liver cancer. If you have concerns about liver health, consult a hepatologist to determine the right diagnosis and treatment.
Visit the Mandaya Liver Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Group to meet with top hepatologists. Contact us via WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or download the Care Doctor app on Google Play and the App Store to schedule an appointment.
