Liver Cancer Treatment in India

Overview

Liver cancer originates in the liver cells, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common type. Other forms include hepatoblastoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. India offers cost-effective treatment options using advanced medical technologies and highly experienced oncologists.

What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal liver cells grow uncontrollably. It can spread to nearby tissues or organs and is referred to as primary liver cancer when it begins in the liver.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

• Upper right abdominal or shoulder pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full quickly
• Abdominal swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever
• Jaundice

Causes of Liver Cancer

DNA mutations in liver cells can lead to cancer. These mutations:

• Activate oncogenes
• Suppress tumor suppressor genes

Major causes include:

• Hepatitis B and C
• Cirrhosis
• Alcohol abuse
• Smoking
• Exposure to aflatoxins

Stages of Liver Cancer

Stage 1

Cancer is confined to the liver.

Stage 2

Multiple small tumors or one tumor invading a blood vessel.

Stage 3

Several large tumors or a tumor spreading to major blood vessels.

Stage 4

Cancer has metastasized to other organs.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• CT Scan
• MRI
• Angiogram
• Liver biopsy

A biopsy involves inserting a needle through the abdomen to collect tissue for analysis.

Treatment Options

Surgery

• Tumor Removal: For small, isolated tumors with good liver function.
• Liver Transplant: For select patients with early-stage liver cancer.

Radiation Therapy

• Uses protons or X-rays to shrink tumors.
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) targets cancer precisely.

Targeted Therapy

• Drugs focus on specific cancer cell mutations.
• Effectiveness depends on genetic analysis of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

• Enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

• Uses drugs orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells.
• Less commonly used for liver cancer.

Palliative Care

• Improves quality of life and alleviates symptoms.
• Provided alongside curative treatments or alone in advanced cases.

Types of Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

• Most common
• Arises from hepatocytes
• Often linked to alcohol or viral hepatitis

Cholangiocarcinoma

• Originates in bile ducts
• 10–20% of liver cancers

Liver Angiosarcoma

• Starts in liver blood vessels
• Aggressive and rare

Hepatoblastoma

• Occurs in children under 3
• High survival if detected early

Cost Factors

• Type of treatment and drugs used
• Hospital location and accreditation
• Doctor’s experience
• Hospital stay duration
• Additional medical exams and medications

Why Choose India?

• Affordable care
• Accredited hospitals (NABH, JCI)
• Experienced oncologists and surgeons
• Advanced radiation and surgical technologies
• International patient assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Therapy Options Are Available?
A: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care based on stage and condition.

Q: Are Indian Hospitals Well-Equipped?
A: Yes. They offer high-tech infrastructure, robotic and minimally invasive surgeries, and cutting-edge radiation therapies.

Q: Is Liver Cancer Curable?
A: Early-stage liver cancer has better prognosis. Transplants or resection may offer long-term outcomes. Advanced-stage cancer is harder to cure but can be managed.