Liver cancer

When aberrant cells in the liver rapidly and uncontrollably multiply, tumours are created, and liver cancer, a serious medical problem, develops. 

This complex condition can take the form of primary liver cancer, which develops within the liver, or secondary liver cancer, which results from the spread of cancers from other regions of the body. Effective care of this complex disease requires a detailed grasp of it.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of liver cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease and other individual factors. Common symptoms of liver cancer include:

• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
• Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood)
• Fatigue
• Loss of Appetite
• Swelling in the Abdomen
• Nausea and Vomiting
• White Chalky Stools
• Dark Urine
• Fever (Low-grade fever that may come and go)
• Enlarged Liver or Spleen
• Itchy Skin
• Easy Bruising

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Types:

Primary liver cancer can come in two separate forms, each of which starts in a different type of liver cell:

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common primary liver cancer, generally appears in people with cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C, among other chronic liver illnesses or infections.
• Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC): A less frequent type of liver cancer, ICC develops in the bile ducts that carry bile to the gallbladder and small intestine. Different treatment modalities are needed for this condition.

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Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of liver cancer typically involves a combination of medical assessments, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to accurately identify the presence and extent of the disease.

The key components of the diagnostic process for liver cancer include:

1. Physical Examination and Medical History
2. Blood Tests
3. Imaging Studies

1. Ultrasound
2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
4. Angiography

1. Biopsy
2. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
3. Exploratory Laparoscopy
4. Elastography
5. Genetic Testing

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• Complications: Liver cancer can yield an array of complications, ranging from liver failure and internal bleeding to abdominal fluid accumulation.
• Prognosis: The prognosis hinges on multifarious factors, encompassing cancer stage, overall health, and responsiveness to treatment modalities.
• Risk Factors: Predisposing factors encompass chronic hepatitis B or C infections, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain genetic anomalies.
• Side Effects: Treatment methods encompass diverse approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. While these methods aim for cancer containment, they can introduce side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.
• Pre / Post Care: Alleviating risks necessitates a lifestyle overhaul encompassing prudent alcohol consumption, weight management, and the management of underlying liver conditions. Post-treatment care entails meticulous adherence to medical guidance and regular follow-up appointments

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Outlook:

The prognosis is intricately linked to the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Timely intervention through early detection and appropriate treatment significantly elevates the potential for favourable outcomes.

The cost of treating liver cancer in India can vary greatly depending on the condition of the patient’s overall health, the stage of the disease, the type of therapy necessary, the hospital or healthcare facility used, and the location. 

The average cost of treating liver cancer can be anything from several lakh and several crore rupees.

To give a ballpark figure:

• The cost of surgical operations, such as a liver transplant or resection, might be anywhere from 5 lakh and 30 lakh rupees or more.
• Chemotherapy sessions may cost between 10,000 and 50,000 rupees each, with a minimum of three sessions needed.
• The price of targeted therapy can vary greatly, but it typically ranges between 50,000 and 2 lakh rupees each month.
• Depending on the length of the treatment, radiation therapy costs could range from 1 lakh to 5 lakh rupees or more.

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