Top Liver cancer Doctors in India

Conditions are an all-encompassing term for all diseases, disorders and illnesses. Above doctors at Max Hospital, India are the top specialists for Liver cancer in India, India. Book a video consultation or in-hospital appointment to receive the best treatments with cutting edge technology. Learn more about Liver cancer doctors’ qualification, background, specialization and experience. Book doctor appointments online, check OPD timings at one of the best hospitals in Max Hospital, India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a malignant tumour that originates in the liver cells. It is one of the most common types of cancer and can have serious implications for a person's health.

The main types of liver cancer include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and hepatoblastoma. HCC is the most common type and develops from hepatocytes (main cells of the liver).

Some risk factors include chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, exposure to aflatoxins, and certain genetic conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis.

Some common symptoms of liver cancer are abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and changes in bowel movements.

Liver cancer is diagnosed through medical history evaluation, physical exam, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI, blood tests (including tumour markers), and often a liver biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

Liver cancer is staged based on the size of the tumour, its extent of spread within the liver, involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and presence of distant metastasis. The stages range from early-stage localized tumours to advanced-stage tumours that have spread to other organs.

For early-stage liver cancer, the best treatment option is often surgical removal of the tumour, known as liver resection. This approach completely removes the cancerous tissue while preserving healthy liver function.

Surgery is a standard treatment option for liver cancer, especially for localized tumours and patients with good liver function. It can involve liver resection, liver transplantation, or surgical techniques such as radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation.

Liver resection is a procedure in which a portion of the liver containing the tumour is removed. This approach treats localized liver cancer and removes the cancerous tissue while preserving enough healthy liver tissue for normal liver function.

Yes, chemotherapy can be used to treat liver cancer, especially in cases where surgery is not feasible or the cancer has spread beyond the liver. Chemotherapy drugs, either given orally or through intravenous infusion, kill cancer cells or slow down their growth.

Transarterial chemoembolization is a minimally invasive approach to treat liver cancer. It involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumour, followed by blocking the vessels to cut off the blood supply to the cancer cells.

Yes, radiation therapy can be used to treat liver cancer. Techniques such as external beam radiation therapy or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) deliver focused radiation to the tumour, damaging the DNA of cancer cells and inhibiting their growth.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a precise form of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumour while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It is an effective treatment option for liver cancer, especially for small tumours or those who are not suitable candidates for surgery.

Yes, targeted therapies are available for liver cancer. These therapies aim to inhibit specific molecular targets that are responsible for the growth and spread of cancer cells. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies.

Immunotherapy plays an increasingly important role in liver cancer treatment. It harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in certain cases of liver cancer.

Yes, liver cancer can be treated with ablation techniques. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, and cryoablation are minimally invasive procedures that use heat or cold to destroy cancerous tissue in the liver.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive approach to treat liver cancer. It involves inserting a thin needle-like probe directly into the tumour, and high-frequency electrical currents are passed through the probe to heat and destroy the cancer cells.

While there are alternative or complementary treatments that some individuals may explore, it is important to discuss these options with a healthcare provider. These treatments may include acupuncture or dietary supplements. However, their effectiveness and safety in treating liver cancer have not been well-established.

A liver transplant is an option for select cases of liver cancer. It is most suitable for patients with early-stage liver cancer and underlying liver disease or cirrhosis. However, the availability of suitable donor organs can be a limiting factor.

The criteria for liver transplantation in liver cancer patients vary, but generally, the tumour should be within certain size and number limitations, and there should be no evidence of cancer spread beyond the liver. The patient's overall health, liver function, and response to other treatments are also considered.

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE), a minimally invasive approach, combines embolization and targeted radiation therapy. It involves injecting tiny radioactive beads into the blood vessels supplying the tumour, delivering radiation directly to the cancer cells.

The chances of curing liver cancer depend on various factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the overall health of the patient, and the treatment options available. While some cases of early-stage liver cancer can be cured, advanced-stage liver cancer may be managed as a chronic condition.

The prognosis for liver cancer depends on factors like the stage of the cancer, the presence of underlying liver disease or cirrhosis, the response to treatment, and other individual factors. Early detection and timely treatment can improve the prognosis, but advanced-stage liver cancer has a poorer prognosis.

Yes, there are ongoing clinical trials investigating new treatments and approaches for liver cancer. These trials aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of novel therapies, such as targeted drugs, immunotherapies, or combination treatments, to improve outcomes for liver cancer patients.

While it may not be possible to prevent liver cancer completely, certain measures can reduce the risk. These include vaccination against hepatitis B, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, getting regular screenings for hepatitis B and C, and practising safe sex to prevent hepatitis C transmission.

Liver cancer is a separate disease from conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis, although these conditions can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a progressive scarring of the liver, often caused by chronic liver disease, whereas hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, and could be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, or other factors.

Chronic infection with the Hepatitis B virus is a risk factor for developing liver cancer. HBV can cause long-term liver inflammation, which increases the risk of liver damage, cirrhosis, and, eventually, the development of liver cancer. Vaccination against HBV can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer.

Yes, excessive and prolonged consumption of alcohol is a known risk factor for liver cancer. Alcohol abuse can cause liver inflammation, liver cirrhosis and, ultimately, increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer.

Yes, liver cancer can spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. Common sites of metastasis include the lungs, bones, and nearby lymph nodes. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment are essential to detect and manage any spread of the cancer.

The potential side effects of liver cancer treatments can vary depending on the treatment approach. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, changes in bowel habits, and temporary liver dysfunction. It is important to discuss potential side effects with the healthcare team.

The frequency of follow-up appointments after liver cancer treatment can vary based on individual circumstances and the stage of the cancer. Generally, regular follow-up visits are scheduled every few months initially and may become less frequent over time. These visits involve physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging to monitor for any signs of recurrence or new tumours.

Yes, liver cancer can recur even after successful treatment. The risk of recurrence depends on various factors, including the stage of the original cancer, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the presence of any underlying liver disease. Regular follow-up appointments and surveillance are crucial to detect and manage any recurrence.

Supportive care options for liver cancer patients aim to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide emotional support. These may include pain management, nutritional support, palliative care, counselling, and assistance with managing treatment side effects.

Yes, palliative care can help improve the quality of life for liver cancer patients, particularly those with advanced-stage cancer. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, managing pain, and providing psychological and emotional support to enhance the patient's well-being.

A multidisciplinary team consisting of various healthcare professionals plays a crucial role in liver cancer treatment. This team may include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, hepatologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and support staff. They collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans, consider different perspectives, and ensure comprehensive care for the patient.

Reviewed by Dr. Meenu Walia, Vice Chairman - Medical Oncology (Breast, Gynaecology, Thoracic), Cancer Care / Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, Medical Oncology, Breast Cancer, Patparganj,Vaishali and Noida on 29-Sep-2023.

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