Weight loss, fatigue? Early detection of liver cancer symptoms key to treatment

Filtering toxins from your blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing energy as glycogen are essential functions of the liver. It also metabolises drugs, supports the immune system, and controls blood clotting. When cancer cells develop in the liver, they disrupt these vital processes, leading to significant health problems.

Unlike many other cancers, liver cancer often presents with few or no early symptoms, making it difficult to detect in its initial stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). These signs often develop once the cancer has progressed, emphasizing the importance of regular screening, especially for those at high risk.

Early detection of liver cancer remains the most critical factor for successful treatment, allowing for more options and better outcomes, says Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, Chairman of Liver Transplant at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. “Treatment of liver cancer largely depends on the stage at diagnosis, ranging from highly curable early stages to more complex cases in advanced disease,” he warns.

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• Early stages:

In the early stages of liver cancer, treatment options are highly effective and can even lead to a cure. "At this stage, the tumour is usually single, less than 2 cm in size, and has not spread to the blood vessels or outside the liver," says Dr Soin. Curative treatments include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), surgical resection, and liver transplantation. In surgical resection, the tumour is removed along with a portion of healthy liver tissue, and this approach is successful for patients with small, localised tumours and good liver function. Liver transplantation, where the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor organ, is another curative option, particularly for those with cirrhosis or multiple tumors limited to the liver.

• Intermediate stages:

When the cancer progresses and surgery is no longer a viable option, but the tumour remains confined to the liver, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) becomes a key treatment. This minimally invasive procedure delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumour, slowing its growth by cutting off its blood supply. TACE can be highly effective in controlling cancer at this stage and improving survival rates.

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• Advanced stages:

For advanced liver cancer, where the tumor has spread to major blood vessels but remains within the liver, Medanta has pioneered a special protocol combining transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). “This combination can dissolve the tumour in the veins, followed by liver transplantation,” says D Soin. He also reveals that this novel protocol has saved many patients who were previously considered terminal. “Unfortunately, when the cancer has spread to other organs, curative treatments are not an option, but targeted therapiesand immunotherapy can help extend survival and improve quality of life. Drugs like Lenvatinib, Atezolizumab, and Pembrolizumab are commonly used to target cancer cells and support the body’s immune response,” he adds.

• Preventing liver cancer:

Liver cancer is almost entirely preventable by addressing the major risk factors, including MASLD (Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), alcohol-related liver disease, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, making regular screenings essential for those at risk. Says Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, Director of the Sarvodaya Cancer Institute, Faridabad, “The earlier liver cancer is identified, the more treatment options are available, significantly improving patient outcomes.”

As one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, liver cancer continues to be the focus of extensive research. New treatment strategies, including local tumor ablation techniques, targeted chemotherapy, and the use of radioactive materials, are constantly evolving. "While liver cancer remains a significant health challenge, future therapeutic prospects are promising," says Dr Pendharkar, as clinical trials explore new ways to treat and potentially cure this complex disease. “Liver cancer treatment is advancing rapidly, and with early detection, patients have more hope than ever for successful outcomes.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.