CHANDIGARH, Oct 30: “Liver cancer is a serious condition that can originate in the liver or spread to it from another part of the body. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Since the disease may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, awareness of risk factors, warning signs and available treatment options is essential to ensure timely medical intervention.”
Dr. Tegbir Singh Sidhu, Principal Consultant – Interventional Radiology at Max Hospital, Mohali, said that liver cancer often remains asymptomatic during its initial stages, making awareness and timely medical evaluation particularly important. As the disease progresses, patients may experience certain symptoms that warrant medical attention.
He added that these symptoms may also be associated with several other liver and gastrointestinal conditions. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored and must be evaluated by a medical professional.
Highlighting the risk factors, Dr. Sidhu said that certain chronic liver conditions can significantly increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer. These include chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections, cirrhosis and other forms of chronic liver disease.
Speaking about treatment options, he emphasized that there is no single standard treatment suitable for every liver cancer patient. The treatment approach is individualized based on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, tumour size and location, number of tumours, liver function and the patient’s overall health.
Depending on these factors, treatment may involve surgery, liver transplantation, tumour ablation, systemic medications and minimally invasive procedures that directly target the tumour.
Dr. Sidhu further highlighted the growing role of interventional radiology in expanding treatment options for selected patients with liver cancer. Procedures such as Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) enable targeted treatment to be delivered through the blood vessels supplying the tumour. These minimally invasive techniques can offer valuable treatment options in appropriately selected cases.
He stressed that timely medical evaluation, accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan are essential for effective liver cancer management and better patient care.