liver cancer

Liver Cancer What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. We Know that the Liver is the largest part of our body and it performs many functions like Digests and stores other nutrients from food like sugar, which is used for energy. but some abnormally developed liver cells have affected these functions of the liver and their effect on human life. Dr. Manoj Dongare is one of the best surgical oncologists in Pune who provides comprehensive treatment plans that are unique to each patient’s disease and needs. He is a renowned name for a liver cancer specialist in Pune and HPB Surgeon in Pune

Liver cancer has two main types i.e.

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Primary Liver Cancer: It is a condition that completely degrades the normal functions of your body.

Secondary Liver Cancer: This type of cancer begins in another part of the body and then spreads to the liver. This type of liver cancer is the most found in India.

What are the signs and symptoms of liver cancer?

When liver cancer is in the early stages, you may have no symptoms at all. If your liver is swollen, you might notice the following symptoms: You may have: ▪

Losing weight without trying

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Nausea and vomiting

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Loss of appetite

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General weakness and fatigue

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Upper abdominal pain

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Abdominal swelling, white chalky stools

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Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of eyes (jaundice)

If you notice any of the symptoms, you must visit a liver cancer doctor in Pune at the earliest. The fastest assessment and subsequent treatment will help you combat this medical condition and live a better life.

What are the Risk Factors of Liver Cancer?

Factors that increase the risk of primary liver cancer include: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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Chronic infection with HBV or HCV: Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases your risk of liver cancer.

Cirrhosis: This progressive and irreversible condition causes scar tissue to form in your liver and increases your chances of developing liver cancer.

Certain inherited liver diseases: Liver diseases that can increase the risk of liver cancer include hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.

Diabetes: People with this blood sugar disorder have a greater risk of liver cancer than those who don’t have diabetes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An accumulation of fat in the liver increases the risk of liver cancer.

Exposure to aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are poisons produced by molds that grow on crops that are stored poorly. Crops, such as grains and nuts, can become contaminated with aflatoxins, which can end up in foods made of these products.

Excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming more than a moderate amount of alcohol daily over many years can lead to irreversible liver damage and increase your risk of liver cancer.

How is liver cancer diagnosed?

If you notice any of the symptoms then the liver cancer surgeon has suggested some tests to diagnose the liver cancer ▪

Blood tests and tumor markers (AFP)

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Ultrasound tests/Sonography

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Computed tomography (CT) scans

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

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Angiograms

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Biopsy: The removal of tissue for study under a microscope. It may be done using a laparoscope. A biopsy is the most reliable way to determine cancer.

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Prevention: Avoiding cancer risk factors may help prevent liver cancers. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. Talk to a liver specialist doctor about how you might lower your risk of cancer. You can reduce your risk of cirrhosis if you: ▪

Limit your Drinking alcohol

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Maintain a healthy weight.

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Get vaccinated against hepatitis B

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Limit alcohol and tobacco use

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Limit exposure to cancer-causing chemicals

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Treat diseases that increase liver cancer risk

How is Liver Cancer treated?

The Liver Cancer treatment depends on: ▪

The liver’s condition and the extent of cirrhosis

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The size, location, and number of tumors

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Whether cancer has spread outside the liver or has remained within the liver

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The overall health of the patient and other risk factors for liver cancer

Surgical Treatment: ▪

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Surgery (to remove the tumor): In certain situations, a liver cancer surgeon may recommend an operation to remove the liver cancer and a small portion of healthy liver tissue that surrounds it if your tumor is small and your liver function is good.

Liver Transplants: This is a common treatment for patients with fully damaged livers.

Here, the damaged liver is replaced by a complete or partial liver from a donor. Liver transplant surgery is only an option for a small percentage of people with early-stage liver cancer

Other Treatment Option: ▪

Ablation therapy: Ablation therapy is a type of minimally invasive procedure doctors use to destroy abnormal tissue that can be present in many conditions. The ablation therapy consists of ▪

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Microwave ablation (MWA): It is also called heating ablation. It uses the energy from electromagnetic waves to heat and destroys the tumor using a probe.

▪ Cryoablation (cryotherapy): Cryoablation destroys a tumor by freezing it using a thin metal probe. The probe is guided into the tumor and then very cold gasses are passed through the probe to freeze the tumor which causes the cancer cells to die.

▪ Ethanol (alcohol) ablation: This is also known as percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). In this procedure, concentrated alcohol is injected directly into the tumor to damage cancer cells. Sometimes multiple treatments of alcohol ablation may be needed.

▪ Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Radiofrequency ablation is one of the most common ablation methods for small tumors. It uses high-energy radio waves.

A high-frequency current is then passed, which heats the tumor and destroys the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from reproducing.

Chemotherapy may be systemic (pills or injections that travel through the entire body).

Targeted therapy: Using drugs that zero in on the cancer genes or tissue. Targeted therapy is different than chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy: Using drugs that direct the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells. It, too, is different than chemotherapy.

What is the cost of Liver Cancer Treatment in Pune?

The cost of liver cancer treatment in Pune may depend upon the following factor ▪

Type of treatment recommended by Liver Cancer Surgeon

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Duration of hospitalization

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Room category

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Additional medical tests, if required

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Expense for medications

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Government Scheme (If Applicable)

Book an Appointment: Dr. Manoj Dongare at Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital and Research Center provides one of the best treatments for various Liver diseases in Pimpri Chinchwad Pune. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best HPB and Liver Transplant surgeon in Pune call 09881379573 or Click on Book Appointment for online booking with your near hospital.