Liver Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the early symptoms of liver cancer?
Liver cancer is often asymptomatic in the early stages; as the tumor enlarges, symptoms such as right upper quadrant pain, an abdominal mass, fatigue, and weight loss may appear.Jaundice, ascites, and lower-extremity edema may be present.
2. What are the main causes of liver cancer?
Major risk factors for liver cancer include chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, long-term heavy alcohol consumption, aflatoxin exposure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
3. What are the surgical treatment options for liver cancer?
Partial hepatectomy is the primary treatment for liver cancer, requiring the preservation of sufficient functional liver tissue.Liver transplantation is an option for patients who meet the criteria.Surgical planning requires assessment of hepatic functional reserve and tumor location.
4. What is minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer?
Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are suitable for small hepatocellular carcinomas, inducing tumor necrosis via thermal energy.Percutaneous approaches are minimally invasive and repeatable.Laparoscopic or open ablation is used for tumors in challenging locations.
5. What is interventional therapy for liver cancer?
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) involves injecting chemotherapeutic agents and embolic materials into the arteries supplying the tumor to block blood flow while simultaneously releasing the chemotherapy drugs.It is suitable for intermediate-stage liver cancer that is not amenable to surgery.
6. What are the targeted and immunotherapies for liver cancer?
Targeted drugs such as sorafenib and lenvatinib can inhibit tumor angiogenesis.The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab is the standard first-line regimen for advanced disease.
7. How is follow-up conducted after liver cancer treatment?
Undergo abdominal ultrasound and AFP testing every 3–6 months post-surgery, and use regular CT or MRI scans to monitor for recurrence.Patients with hepatitis B must adhere to antiviral therapy.Abstain from alcohol and avoid moldy foods.
