27 Nov, 2025
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27 Nov, 2025
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This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Masoom Parwez, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata .
The liver is an important organ located in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm. The liver performs several essential functions, such as storing energy, producing bile, and filtering toxins.
Liver cancer is a malignant condition that develops in the cells of the liver. The disease occurs when these cells divide and spread without any control.
Liver cancer may be primary or secondary. The primary liver cancer arises from the liver. The secondary liver cancer spreads from other organs, such as the lung, colon, and breast, to the liver. The most common type of hepatic cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which affects the hepatocytes. The other forms are hepatoblastoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Patients with cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C infection, and fatty liver disease are at elevated risk for developing liver cancer. Liver cancer is one of the top causes of death because of cancer globally, due to its aggressiveness and late detection.
Liver cancer may be primary or secondary.
Primary liver cancer arises from the liver. It has various subtypes based on the type of liver cell involved in the disease.
It is the most common type of liver cancer and accounts for almost 75 to 90% of liver cancer cases. It starts from the hepatocytes. It generally occurs in patients with underlying liver diseases, such as hepatitis infection or cirrhosis.
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare hepatic cancer that develops in young adults with no underlying liver disease. FLC has a good prognosis.
The bile is produced in the liver and is carried to the intestine through the bile ducts. Cholangiocarcinoma arises in the bile ducts. It can be inside the liver (intrahepatic) or outside the liver (extrahepatic).
This type of cancer is not very common. However, it is aggressive. Patients with parasitic infections and chronic bile duct inflammation are at elevated risk for developing cholangiocarcinoma.
These are extremely rare types of liver cancer, and they arise from the hepatic blood vessels. Older adults are at elevated risk for this type of liver cancer.
People exposed to certain industrial chemicals like vinyl chloride or thorium dioxide have higher chances of getting angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. The disease is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its rapid progression.
Hepatoblastoma is a rare childhood liver cancer. It generally affects children <5 years of age. It is generally detected early. It has a high cure rate. The treatment includes chemotherapy and surgery.
Secondary liver cancer does not start from the liver itself. It spreads from other organs through the blood and affects the liver. Secondary liver cancer commonly spreads from the lung, breast, colon, pancreas, and stomach.
The secondary liver cancers are named after their origin; for instance, cancer spreading to the liver from the colon is referred to as metastatic colon cancer.
Treatment aims to manage the primary cancer and control the liver metastases through surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Liver cancer is not generally hereditary. It means that it does not usually pass from the parents to their children through genetics. However, in certain cases, patients with some inherited conditions, such as hemochromatosis (iron overload) or Wilson's disease (copper buildup), are at higher risk for developing the disease.
Most people develop liver cancer because of environmental and lifestyle factors. These factors damage the liver over time.
Some of the main causes for hepatic cancer are chronic hepatitis B or C infection, exposure to toxins, such as aflatoxins, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and fatty liver disease. Other risk factors are eating an unhealthy diet and a lack of regular physical activity.
The lifestyle-related risk of hepatic cancer can be prevented or reduced. The preventive measures include avoiding excessive alcohol, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, maintaining an optimal weight, and eating a diet containing adequate fruits and vegetables.
The prognosis for hepatic cancer depends on various factors. These factors affect the early detection and optimal treatment. Some of the key factors that affect the prognosis of liver cancer include:
Hepatic cancer stage at diagnosis is one of the most important factors that determine its prognosis.
Early-stage cancers are localized and limited to a very small area in the liver. These cancers generally have a positive outcome and are sometimes treated with surgery or liver transplantation.
However, once the cancer enters the advanced stage, treatment is difficult, and these patients have a poor prognosis. Advanced cancer stages (Modified UICC Stage III/IV and BCLC Stage B/C) correlate with lower survival rates. Multiple nodules indicate more advanced disease and poorer outcomes. Cancer spreading into the portal vein significantly worsens prognosis.
It is important not to ignore the symptoms. You should consult a doctor to detect underlying causes.
The liver performs several essential functions. People with hepatic cancer, along with the underlying liver diseases, such as chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, have fewer treatment options. These patients also have a slower recovery. Child-Pugh Class B indicates reduced liver function and is associated with significantly lower survival rates.
Younger, otherwise healthy individuals can better tolerate aggressive treatments, such as chemotherapy. Pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, or diabetes, lower the efficacy of the treatment. High preoperative alpha-fetoprotein levels (> 400 ng/mL) are linked to a worse prognosis.
The type and grade of cancer also significantly affect the prognosis. Some liver cancers are more aggressive and rapidly progress. For instance, patients with fibrolamellar carcinoma have a better survival rate than those with HCC. Larger tumors (≥ 5 cm) are associated with reduced survival.
The level of response to treatment, such as targeted therapy, surgery, or immunotherapy, also significantly affects survival and recovery.
The survival rate for liver cancer is influenced by several factors. These include the stage at diagnosis, overall liver health, and the type of treatment.
The 5-year relative survival rate for localized cancer (confined to the liver) is 37%, while it is 13% for the regional spread. Patients with metastatic disease have a 5-year survival rate of 3%. The overall survival rate for hepatic cancer (all stages combined) is 22%.
The 4-year survival rate in England is about 50% for stage 1, 35% for stage 2, 10% for stage 3, and about 5% for stage 4 hepatic cancer. Overall, about 40 out of 100 people survive one year after diagnosis, and about 15 out of 100 survive for five or more years post-diagnosis.
Patients with early detection of liver cancer have a significantly higher survival rate. People with small, resectable tumors or those eligible for liver transplantation have 5-year survival rates of 50–70%. In some transplant cases, it can reach up to 80%.
The outcomes are poor in patients with underlying liver diseases, such as cirrhosis. People who are at higher risk of developing hepatic cancer should undergo regular screening to improve early detection and enhance survival chances.
Studies also evaluated the liver cancer survival rate by age. It is usually indicated that the survival rate is higher in younger people, provided the other factors are the same.
Liver cancer develops with no specific symptoms. Overlapping symptoms with less serious conditions make its diagnosis difficult. Recognizing the symptoms early can improve the treatment outcomes. Some of the common signs and symptoms of liver cancer are:
Early signs of liver cancer include weakness, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite. Some people may also experience a sense of feeling unwell or have tiredness without clear reasons.
As the hepatic cancer progresses and the tumor grows in size, several patients experience pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
These patients may also have swelling and experience a feeling of fullness. Bloating may also occur in the advanced stages because of fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).
Disruption of liver function can affect bile flow. It results in jaundice. Patients with jaundice presented with yellowing of the skin and the eyes. These patients also have dark-colored urine and pale or clay-colored stools.
Patients with hepatic cancer may also experience various symptoms related to the digestive tract because of the involvement of the liver in various digestive processes. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, and indigestion.
Patients with advanced hepatic cancer experience various symptoms, such as fever, itchy skin, swelling of the ankles or legs, night sweats, and enlarged veins on the abdomen.
They may also bruise or bleed easily due to reduced levels of clotting factors. Because the liver also detoxifies the body, patients may experience confusion or drowsiness due to toxin accumulation.
It is important to diagnose liver cancer early. It allows the administration of multiple treatment options, and such patients have a relatively better prognosis. Some of the diagnostic options for hepatic cancer are:
Clinicians start the diagnosis by reviewing the symptoms, family history, and risk factors. They may also evaluate the signs, such as abdominal swelling, jaundice, and tenderness. The doctors evaluate the overall liver function, particularly in those with a history of cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Liver function tests determine the overall health of the liver. The doctor recommends that the patient undergo tumor marker testing, such as alpha-fetoprotein. These markers are elevated in several cases of liver cancer. Abnormal reports will prompt further testing.
Imaging tests help clinicians visualize the liver and detect abnormal growths. The doctors recommend an ultrasound to detect the liver tumors. A CT scan creates detailed cross-sectional liver images. MRI generates high-resolution images to differentiate liver cancer from other liver diseases.
A biopsy is usually considered a confirmatory test for liver cancer. During a biopsy, clinicians remove a small sample of the suspected tissue and send it to the laboratory for analysis to determine whether malignant cells are present.
Once the hepatic cancer is diagnosed, the clinicians may recommend additional scans to determine the stage of cancer. It ensures optimal treatment. The additional scans may include PET scans, chest imaging, or angiography.
Usually, a combination of the above diagnosis tests is done to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Accurate staging helps with treatment planning and provides crucial information about prognosis. Early detection through regular screening, especially in high-risk individuals, significantly improves outcomes.
Various factors affect the treatment of hepatic cancer, and they include the stage of the cancer, type of hepatic cancer, liver function, underlying liver disease, status of liver health, and overall health of the patient.
Doctors usually recommend a combination of therapies to improve outcomes and minimize side effects. Some of the treatment options available for hepatic cancer are:
Surgery is generally the primary treatment option in hepatic cancer. It may also be the only treatment required in patients with localized cancer and good liver function.
Liver resection is a treatment option that involves the removal of the cancerous section of the liver while sparing the healthy tissues. It is suitable for patients without severe liver disease.
Liver transplantation is also a treatment option for liver cancer. It is recommended for patients with tumors that cannot be removed through surgery. Transplantation is a surgical intervention that involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy liver.
Localized or minimally invasive therapies are used to target the tumors directly. Several types of localized therapies are available. Ablation therapy involves destroying tumor cells using heat, cold, or chemicals.
Embolization is a procedure that involves blocking the blood supply to the tumor cells, thereby slowing or preventing their growth. One example of embolization is transarterial embolization.
Radiation therapy is also a localized treatment for liver cancer that involves the destruction of the malignant cells through high-energy radiation.
Systemic treatment options for hepatic cancer treat the cancer that has spread to various parts. Some systemic treatment options include targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Targeted therapy involves administering medications that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. It targets the specific vital processes in the cancer cells.
Immunotherapy boosts patients' immune systems and improves their ability to fight cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used in certain advanced liver cancers. Chemotherapy is generally used along with surgery or radiation therapy.
Supportive or palliative care is required for patients with advanced liver cancer. Palliative care focuses on symptom relief and improves overall quality of life. It manages various symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain.
Patients diagnosed with liver cancer have one question in their mind: "Is liver cancer curable?" The chances of successful liver cancer treatment depend on various factors. These include the stage of disease diagnosis, the type of treatment received, the response to treatment, and overall liver health. Early detection of hepatic cancer significantly improves the chance of a cure.
Treatment options are more effective when the liver cancer is detected in the early or localized stage. At this stage, surgery is usually sufficient to cure the disease. Surgical options include liver resection and liver transplantation.
For patients who are unable to undergo surgery, various localized therapies are available to treat the disease.
These therapies include ablation, embolization, or radiation therapy. Although these therapies can control the tumor and improve life expectancy, they are generally not effective for providing a complete cure.
Systemic therapies, including targeted therapy or immunotherapy, may slow cancer progression. However, they are not usually effective in providing a complete cure, as systemic therapies are generally recommended for patients with metastatic liver cancer.
Even after successful treatment, patients may have a recurrence of liver cancer. Patients with underlying liver disease are at elevated risk for liver cancer recurrence. Regular follow-up and monitoring of liver function are important for detecting recurrence early.
The risk of hepatic cancer can be reduced with a carefully planned preventive strategy. Lifestyle modifications, vaccinations, and effective management of underlying liver diseases are some preventive measures against liver cancer.
The following are some helpful measures against liver cancer:
Chronic hepatitis B or C infections are the major risk factors for developing liver cancer. Early treatment for these infections and proactive prevention through vaccination to prevent these diseases lowers the risk of hepatic cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption results in cirrhosis. The presence of cirrhosis increases hepatic cancer risk. Limiting the consumption of alcohol or avoiding it completely lowers the risk of liver cancer.
Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are risk factors for liver cancer. People should eat a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and maintain an optimal weight to reduce their risk of liver cancer.
Chronic exposure to arsenic, aflatoxins in contaminated food, and certain industrial chemicals is also identified as a liver cancer risk factor. Reducing this exposure reduces the risk of liver cancer.
Increased tobacco consumption increases the risk of various cancers, including hepatic cancer. Quitting smoking protects the liver and lowers the risk of liver cancer.
High-risk individuals, such as those suffering from cirrhosis or hepatitis, should undergo regular liver checkups and imaging tests. Optimal treatment of these diseases prevents their progression to liver cancer.
Additional Reading: Liver Cancer Prevention: 3 Effective Ways to Reduce Your Risk
HCG Cancer Centre provides specialized liver cancer treatment across multiple locations in India. Our hubs in Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, and our comprehensive hospitals in the cities of Nagpur, Jaipur, Indore, Cuttack, Ranchi, Visakhapatnam, etc., also facilitate holistic liver cancer management, including diagnostics, treatment, and supportive care.
All cancer hospitals in the HCG network have advanced technology and multidisciplinary teams, including experienced oncologists, for the management of liver cancer. All of these centers provide state-of-the-art liver cancer treatments based on advanced research.
All of the centers mentioned above are part of an extensive HCG network that provides comprehensive liver care services. An extensive HCG network ensures accessibility to high-quality liver cancer care services across India.
Patients should choose the right healthcare provider during their treatment for liver cancer. HCG Cancer Centres provide comprehensive liver cancer care tailored to each patient's needs.
HCG Cancer Centres are among the few centers in India equipped with all diagnostic and treatment facilities for liver cancer under a single roof. It allows for effective coordination and personalized care.
HCG enables accurate staging and evaluation of liver cancer with the use of state-of-the-art imaging technologies. The team at HCG develops effective treatment plans, thereby enhancing the chances of survival.
HCG Cancer Centre has a multidisciplinary team comprising surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists to develop individualized care plans. This collaborative team effort ensures optimal treatment and care and addresses all patients' concerns.
HCG offers liver transplantation services for patients with liver cancer. Comprehensive care and coordination among care providers support patients throughout the transplant process. It improves the survival rate and overall quality of life.
HCG has a strong footing in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, along with a strong presence in popular metropolitan cities. The availability of multiple centers in India ensures accessible cancer care to a large section of the population.
HCG Cancer Centre offers competitive costs for various diagnoses and treatment procedures. Competitive pricing ensures that quality care is affordable to many patients.
Liver cancer is the cancer of the liver. It may be primary or secondary. Of various types of liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common. Symptoms of liver cancer include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and jaundice.
Diagnosis is through medical examination, blood tests, imaging, and biopsy. Treatment options for hepatic cancer are surgery, localized therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A complete cure is usually achieved when cancer is detected early.
Dr. Mohammad Masoom Parwez
Consultant - Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Mohammed Masoom Parwez is a well-trained cancer surgeon who specializes in GI malignancies, breast cancer, skin and soft tissue malignancies, diagnostic endoscopy, and colonoscopy. He is well-versed in both open and minimally invasive surgical approaches, and believes in tailoring treatment strategies in such a way that they meet the individual health needs of each of his patients. He can be consulted at HCG - Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, a well-known cancer hospital in Ranchi.
Dr. Parwez is dedicated to practicing evidence-based medicine, focusing on personalized and patient-centered cancer care, while also conducting academic research.
Appointment Link: Book an Appointment with Dr. Mohammad Masoom Parwez.
