Health A-Z

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for the majority of cases. It typically arises from hepatocytes, the main type of liver cell. Here's an overview of hepatocellular carcinoma, including its symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, and testing.

1. Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, particularly on the right side, may occur.
2. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to impaired liver function and bilirubin buildup.
3. Unintentional weight loss: Loss of appetite and weight loss may occur as the cancer progresses.
4. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even with adequate rest.
5. Abdominal swelling: Enlargement of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation (ascites) may occur in advanced stages.
6. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur as a result of liver dysfunction or pressure on the stomach from a growing tumor.
7. Enlarged liver: The liver may become enlarged and tender to the touch.
8. Symptoms of advanced disease: These may include fever, confusion, and symptoms related to complications such as bleeding or liver failure.

1. Surgery: Surgical resection, in which the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed, may be an option for early-stage HCC if the tumor is localized and the patient is otherwise healthy.
2. Liver transplantation: For individuals with advanced HCC or those who are not candidates for surgery, liver transplantation may offer a chance for cure.
3. Ablation therapy: Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), or ethanol injection can be used to destroy cancerous tissue in the liver.
4. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): This procedure involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels supplying the tumor, followed by embolization to cut off its blood supply.
5. Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecular pathways involved in cancer growth, such as sorafenib or lenvatinib, may be used for advanced HCC.
6. Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab, may be used in certain cases of advanced HCC to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells.
7. Supportive care: Palliative treatments such as pain management, nutritional support, and management of complications are important for improving quality of life in advanced HCC.

1. Imaging studies: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to detect liver tumors and evaluate their size, number, and location.
2. Liver biopsy: A sample of liver tissue may be obtained through a biopsy procedure and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of HCC and assess tumor characteristics.
3. Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to assess liver function, including liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) that may be elevated in HCC.
4. Screening and surveillance: Individuals at high risk for HCC, such as those with chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, or a history of heavy alcohol use, may undergo regular screening tests such as ultrasound and AFP measurement to detect HCC at an early stage when treatment options are more effective.