Cancer involves abnormal cells growing uncontrollably, invading nearby tissues, and spreading to other parts of the body through metastasis.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
For patients who have undergone curative treatment, such as resection or ablation, the journey does not end with the procedure. Liver cancer has a high rate of recurrence, up to 70% at five years. This is because the underlying “field defect” (the cirrhotic or diseased liver tissue) remains, posing a continued risk for new tumors to develop (de novo carcinogenesis) or for microscopic spread to reappear.
Rigorous surveillance is mandatory. The protocol typically involves a multiphase CT or MRI and an AFP blood test every 3 to 6 months for the first 2 years, as this is the peak period for recurrence. If the patient remains disease-free, the interval may be extended to every 6 to 12 months. Early detection of recurrence is critical because “salvage” treatments, such as repeat ablation or even transplant, can be effective if the recurrent tumor is caught early.
For transplant recipients, monitoring is twofold: monitoring for cancer recurrence and assessing graft health. Immunosuppression management is a delicate balance; enough to prevent organ rejection but minimized to reduce the risk of infection and secondary malignancies. Transplant patients require lifelong follow-up with a specialized hepatology team.
The liver is the body’s metabolic engine, and when it is diseased, nutritional status is often compromised. Patients with cirrhosis and liver cancer are in a state of accelerated metabolism and protein breakdown (catabolism), leading to muscle wasting (sarcopenia). Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of poor outcomes and increased toxicity from chemotherapy. Therefore, nutritional therapy is a medical intervention, not just a lifestyle suggestion.
Unlike general dietary advice, which often restricts calories, patients with liver cancer usually require a high-protein, high-calorie diet to counteract muscle loss. Frequent snacking is crucial. Because the cirrhotic liver cannot store glycogen effectively, the body enters a “starvation mode” overnight, breaking down muscle for energy. A “late evening snack” containing complex carbohydrates and protein is a clinical prescription to prevent this overnight muscle catabolism.
Sodium restriction is essential for patients with ascites (fluid retention) to help manage swelling. However, this must be balanced with palatability to ensure the patient eats enough. Vitamin supplementation, particularly Vitamin D and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), may be recommended to support liver regeneration and immune function.
Treating the cancer is only half the battle; preserving the function of the remaining liver is the other. Ongoing management of the underlying cause of the liver disease is paramount. For patients with Hepatitis B, long-term antiviral therapy (like Entecavir or Tenofovir) suppresses the virus, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of recurrence after surgery. For Hepatitis C, curative treatment is administered if it hasn’t been done previously.
For those with alcohol-related disease, total abstinence is non-negotiable. Continued drinking after a liver cancer diagnosis dramatically accelerates liver failure and renders many treatments unsafe. Support for alcohol cessation, including counseling and medication, is integrated into the care plan.
Similarly, for metabolic liver disease, control of diabetes and lipids is essential. While aggressive weight loss is generally avoided during active cancer treatment to prevent muscle loss, metabolic optimization through medication helps protect the liver from further inflammatory damage (lipotoxicity). Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B (if not infected), influenza, and pneumococcus are standard to prevent superimposed infections that could trigger liver failure.
In advanced stages or when liver function deteriorates, the focus of care broadens to include symptom management and quality-of-life considerations. Liver cancer can cause specific distressing symptoms. Pain from the stretching of the liver capsule is managed with a tiered approach, often avoiding standard NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) due to bleeding risk and kidney strain, favoring other analgesics or nerve blocks.
Ascites (abdominal fluid) can be managed with diuretics, but if refractory, paracentesis is performed. This involves inserting a needle to drain liters of liquid, providing immediate relief from pressure and breathlessness. Long-term indwelling catheters can allow patients to drain fluid at home, offering autonomy and reducing hospital visits.
Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion) is managed with lactulose (a syrup that traps ammonia in the gut) and antibiotics like rifaximin. Managing this confusion is vital for maintaining the patient’s interaction with their family. Palliative care specialists work alongside oncologists to navigate these complexities, ensuring that the patient’s dignity and comfort are prioritized alongside any disease-modifying treatments.
The horizon of liver cancer care is expanding through research into regenerative medicine. While the liver naturally regenerates, this capacity is blunted in cirrhosis. Scientists are investigating cell therapies, such as infusing stem cells or autologous bone marrow cells, to stimulate the regeneration of healthy liver tissue and reverse fibrosis. If successful, this could improve the “soil” in which the cancer grows, making the liver more resilient to treatments.
Genomic research is also moving towards “liquid biopsies.” Instead of invasive tissue biopsies, doctors may soon monitor tumor dynamics by analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a simple blood draw. This could enable detection of molecular recurrence months before it becomes visible on a scan, enabling ultra-early intervention.
Furthermore, research into the “liver microbiome”, the connection between gut bacteria and liver inflammation, is opening new avenues. Modulating the gut flora with specific probiotics or fecal transplants could, in theory, reduce inflammation that drives cancer progression and improve response to immunotherapy.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
There is no single “superfood.” The best diet is one that provides enough calories and protein to prevent muscle loss. This usually means a diet rich in lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes), fruits, vegetables, and complex grains. Crucially, avoiding raw shellfish is essential to prevent severe infections, and avoiding alcohol is mandatory.
The liver stores sugar (glycogen) to fuel your body while you sleep. A damaged liver has tiny storage space. Without a late-night snack, your glycogen runs out in the middle of the night, and your body starts breaking down your own muscles for fuel. A snack acts as a fuel buffer to protect your muscles.
You should be highly cautious. The liver processes many herbal supplements and can cause drug-induced liver injury or interact dangerously with chemotherapy and anti-rejection drugs. Always consult your hepatologist before taking any supplement, even “natural” ones.
The primary treatment is taking prescribed lactulose, which causes frequent bowel movements to clear toxins. Adhering to the dosage to achieve 2-3 soft stools a day is key. It is also essential to avoid constipation and dehydration, as these are common triggers for confusion episodes.
Generally, yes, once you have recovered from the acute procedure. However, you should carry copies of your medical records and a list of your medications. If you have ascites or a history of variceal bleeding, you should discuss specific travel plans with your doctor, as flying can sometimes affect gas expansion and fluid dynamics.
At Liv Hospital, we know bile duct blockage or liver issues can be scary. But, learning about liver stents and their role can offer hope.
Accurate diagnosis is key for liver health. A CT liver scan takes many images from different angles. This gives a full view of what’s inside.
A liver CAT scan with contrast is key for spotting liver issues. LivHospital uses top-notch imaging to help doctors find problems, leading to better treatment
A hepatic drain, also known as a liver drain, helps with biliary drainage. It’s used for patients with bile duct problems or after liver surgery.
When a blocked bile duct or liver duct happens, quick stent placement can save lives. It brings back important liver function. At Liv Hospital, we
For those dealing with liver or bile duct issues, the thought of liver stent surgery can be scary. But, thanks to recent advancements, this procedure
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
