Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to abnormal growths in liver cells. The liver is one of the body’s most important organs and performs a variety of functions, including cleansing toxins, releasing stored energy in the body, regulating blood sugar, and producing other important hormones.

Liver cancer can also occur as metastatic cancer that has spread from another cancer site (for example, breast, lung, or colon).

Liver cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages and is therefore often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Some symptoms are:

Abdominal swelling or pain
Loss of appetite
Weakness and fatigue
Anorexia
rapid weight loss
Tiredness
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Liver failure

Liver cancer risk factors include chronic viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis B and C), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, and family history.

Liver cancer treatment may vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer, and the patient’s general health. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ablation. Treatment may be more effective in cases of liver cancer detected early, so regular medical check-ups are recommended for people with risk factors.

Liver Cancer Treatment Methods

Liver cancer treatment may vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer, and the patient’s general health. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ablation.

Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention may include procedures such as removal of the cancerous area or removal of the entire liver (hepatectomy). Surgical intervention is usually performed in the early stages of cancer.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs used to kill cancer cells. In liver cancer, chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be used in combination with radiotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy in liver cancer.
Ablation: Ablation uses a variety of techniques, such as high-energy radio waves, microwave energy, or freezing, to kill the cancerous area. This method can be effective for small cancerous areas and can often be considered as an alternative to surgical intervention.

The treatment plan is determined by the general health status of the patient, the stage and location of the cancer. In some cases, more than one treatment option may be used together. For example, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be administered after surgery. Treatment may be more effective in cases of liver cancer detected early, so regular medical check-ups are recommended for people with risk factors.

Prof. Dr. Erşan AYGÜN

General Surgery Specialist

Bakırköy/ İstanbul

You can make an online appointment with our doctor via the panel below.