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Contents
  • What Causes HCC?
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Diagnosis and Staging
  • Treatment Options

What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Understanding the Basics of Liver Cancer

What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Understanding the Basics of Liver Cancer

The Big Picture

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive form of liver cancer that often develops in people with chronic liver disease. Understanding this condition is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.
Contents
  • What Causes HCC?
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Diagnosis and Staging
  • Treatment Options

What Causes HCC?

HCC typically occurs in people with long-standing liver problems, particularly cirrhosis. Common risk factors include chronic hepatitis B or C infections, excessive alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The damaged liver cells are more likely to develop mutations that can lead to cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Early-stage HCC often has no symptoms, which is why screening is important for at-risk individuals. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or swelling, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and fatigue. Some patients may experience fever, enlarged liver, or blood clotting problems.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive form of liver cancer that develops in people with chronic liver disease, often linked to cirrhosis or hepatitis infections.

Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnosing HCC typically involves blood tests, imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Doctors use staging systems, such as the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system, to determine the extent of the disease. This staging considers tumor size, number of tumors, liver function, and overall health status.

Treatment Options

Treatment for HCC depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall liver function. Options may include surgical resection, liver transplantation, local ablation therapies, embolization procedures, radiation therapy, and systemic treatments like targeted therapy or immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary team approach is often used to determine the best treatment plan.

FAQs

Is HCC curable?

Early-stage HCC can be curable with appropriate treatment.

Who is at risk for HCC?

People with cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, or other liver diseases.

How common is HCC?

HCC is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults.

Can HCC be prevented?

Reducing risk factors and regular screening for at-risk individuals can help.

What's the survival rate for HCC?

Survival rates vary widely depending on stage at diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways

Understanding HCC, its risk factors, and treatment options is crucial for improving outcomes for those affected by this serious liver condition.
If you're concerned about your risk for HCC, talk to Doctronic about liver health screening options today.
Additional References
  1. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2018; 69:182.
  2. Llovet JM, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:6.
  3. Heimbach J, et al. AASLD guidelines for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2018; 67:358-380.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.