Liver Cancer Surgeon in Nashik, Maharashtra

Liver cancer is broadly categorized into primary and secondary types:

• Primary Liver Cancer: Originates within the liver itself. The main subtypes include:
  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most prevalent form, accounting for approximately 75% of cases. HCC develops from hepatocytes, the primary liver cells.
  • Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): Emerges from the bile ducts that transport bile from the liver to the small intestine.
  • Angiosarcoma and Hemangiosarcoma: Rare cancers originating from the blood vessels of the liver.
  • Hepatoblastoma: An uncommon type typically affecting children under the age of 3.
• Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer: Occurs when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the liver.

In its early stages, liver cancer may not present noticeable symptoms. As the disease advances, individuals might experience:

• Unintended Weight Loss: Losing weight without changes in diet or physical activity.
• Loss of Appetite: A diminished desire to eat.
• Upper Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain on the right side of the upper abdomen.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick and vomiting.
• General Weakness and Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
• Abdominal Swelling: Enlargement or bloating of the abdomen.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels.
• White, Chalky Stools: Pale-colored bowel movements.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer:

• Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Long-term infection with hepatitis B or C viruses.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to various causes, including alcohol abuse and chronic hepatitis.
• Heavy Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption over time.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking increases liver cancer risk.
• Obesity: Being significantly overweight.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Particularly when accompanied by other risk factors.
• Exposure to Aflatoxins: Consuming foods contaminated with aflatoxin-producing fungi.
• Certain Genetic Disorders: Conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis.

To diagnose liver cancer, healthcare providers may utilize:

• Blood Tests: Assess liver function and detect tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
• Imaging Studies: Techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize liver abnormalities.
• Liver Biopsy: Removing a sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination to confirm cancer presence.

Staging determines the extent of cancer spread:

• Stage I: A single tumor confined to the liver without vascular invasion.
• Stage II: A single tumor with vascular invasion or multiple tumors none larger than 5 cm.
• Stage III: Multiple tumors larger than 5 cm or tumor involving major blood vessels.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

Treatment strategies depend on the cancer’s stage, liver function, and overall patient health:

• Surgery: Removing the tumor or a portion of the liver (hepatectomy).
• Liver Transplantation: Replacing the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver.
• Ablation Therapy: Destroying cancer cells using methods