Liver cancer is a serious condition; if not treated in time, it can cause one to lose their life. Hence, being diagnosed with liver cancer can be petrifying for both the patient and the family members.
But is liver cancer curable? The answer to this question varies depending upon the stage of liver cancer you are diagnosed with.
Unfortunately, at times, patients are not even aware if they are suffering from liver cancer. This is because the symptoms are not very apparent in the early stages of liver cancer. Hence, treating and predicting the prognosis of liver cancer becomes quite challenging. Nevertheless, liver cancer can be cured if diagnosed in its early stages.
This article will explain in depth whether or not liver cancer is curable. But before that, let's have a brief look at the basics of liver cancer.
The liver is a vital organ responsible for carrying out several body functions that keep a person alive. Liver cancer occurs due to the multiplication of cells present in the liver. Liver cancer can either be primary cancer or secondary cancer.
Primary cancer begins in the cells of the liver and includes Hepatocellular carcinoma (61.8%), Cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer, Liver angiosarcoma, and Hepatoblastoma. Some patients can even have combined Hepatocellular carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma (0.6 %).
On the other hand, cancer that starts in some other part of the body and eventually spreads into the liver is called secondary cancer. Among all the different types of cancers found in India, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most commonly seen in the Indian population.
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The exact causes of liver cancer are not known yet. However, a few factors can increase a person's risk of developing liver cancer.
These factors can be modifiable or non-modifiable.
Modifiable risk factors are those which can be controlled by following simple preventive measures. One can work on these factors and prevent their risk of developing liver cancer.
Modifiable risk factors of liver cancer include:
Non-modifiable risk factors are those which cannot be changed or prevented. These include:
Note: People with non-modifiable risk factors are predisposed to developing liver cancer. In such cases, regular screening is crucial. It plays a vital role in the early detection of liver cancer. Hence, patients under this category are advised to undergo routine screening to prevent developing advanced stages of liver cancer.
Whether or not liver cancer is curable largely depends on the time of diagnosis. If diagnosed well before the cancer has not reached an advanced stage, liver cancer can be curable.
The stages and time of diagnosis are of utmost importance before predicting the prognosis of liver cancer. The stages of liver cancer are an indication of its spread and based on the diagnostic test results, cancer in the liver is staged.
There are four stages of liver cancer which include:
In India, most patients with liver cancer are diagnosed when their cancer is already in its advanced stage, i.e., it has spread to other body parts. Hence, it is not easily cured.
If surgery and ever transplantation is not possible other treatment options that can help treat early-stage liver cancer include:
The treatments mentioned above are given to the patients:
However, using these treatment options, it is hard to comment on if liver cancer can be cured as the results of these treatments are not that fruitful. It is best to consult a doctor regarding the prognosis of liver cancer at this stage.
Most people in India are at risk of developing liver cancer. This is because of a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, etc. Measures for the prevention of liver cancer include the following,
Curing liver cancer in its advanced stage is challenging, and the prognosis is poor. Timely diagnosis of liver cancer helps determine the stage of cancer, the extent of its spread, and if the diagnosed liver cancer is curable.
Most liver cancer patients in India are diagnosed when their liver cancer has reached its advanced stage. Hence, treating them becomes very challenging. Liver cancer can be cured when diagnosed in its early stages. Hence, it is essential to acknowledge the symptoms of liver cancer at its early stages and get its treatment accordingly.
We at HexaHealth aim to provide the best to all our patients. Our qualified team of doctors guides our patients at every step, from diagnosis to treatment. At HexaHealth, we ensure to offer the best facilities to every patient who trusts us, as catering to our patient's needs is our top priority.
If liver cancer is detected in its early stages (stage 1 and stage 2), where the tumour size is less than 5cms, it is curable.
Liver cancer is curable when diagnosed in its early stages (stage 1 and stage 2), where the tumour size is less than 5cms.
Yes, there is hope for liver cancer. Especially in patients who have been diagnosed in their early stages, as treatment in the early stages of liver cancer may offer a complete cure.
Yes, there is hope for a good 5-year survival rate or more in patients with liver cancer who were timely diagnosed in their early stages and given the proper treatment. However, how long a patient lives with liver cancer differs from patient to patient.
How long the liver cancer lasts depends from patient to patient and the stage of cancer. For example, Stage A liver cancer patients can survive for about three years without treatment. In contrast, for advanced-stage liver cancer, without treatment, the life expectancy of the patient is about eight months.
The best way to beat and cure liver cancer is through surgery. Early-stage liver cancer can be cured by surgically removing the tumour through a partial hepatectomy or performing a liver transplant.
No, unfortunately, chemotherapy cannot cure liver cancer. Surgery in the early stages is the only way to cure liver cancer.
Yes, liver cancer is curable in India. This is possible only if liver cancer is diagnosed in its early stages.
Yes, when detected and treated early, primary liver cancer is curable in its early stages (stage A).
No, unfortunately, liver cancer is not curable in the 4th stage. This is because, in its 4th stage, liver cancer is very advanced (metastasised). The goal of 4th stage liver cancer treatment is cancer control, providing symptomatic relief to the patient and providing a better quality of life.
The survival rate for liver cancer when it spreads is around 11%.
Last Updated on: 3 August 2023
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
MSc. Clinical Research I PG Diploma in Public Health Services Management
3 Years Experience
His work in medical content writing and proofreading is noteworthy. He has also contributed immensely to public health research and has authored four scientific manuscripts in international journals. He was assoc...View More
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