Overview
Liver cancer most commonly arises in patients who already have liver disease — cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, or advanced fatty liver disease. Early-stage liver cancer has no symptoms, which is why structured surveillance every six months is essential for at-risk patients. Caught early, liver cancer is treatable and sometimes curable.
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms in early stages — surveillance is the key
- Unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite
- Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Worsening fatigue
- New ascites or abdominal swelling
When to see a doctor
If you have cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, or advanced fatty liver disease, regular 6-monthly screening is essential — even when feeling well. Any new symptoms in someone with known liver disease deserve prompt review.
How we help
We provide structured surveillance for at-risk patients — ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein every six months. When a suspicious lesion is found, we coordinate further imaging (triple-phase CT or MRI) and biopsy when needed. Treatment depends on the stage: small early-stage cancers are often curable with ablation, resection, or transplant; we coordinate referrals to surgical or interventional oncology. For advanced disease, modern systemic therapies have meaningfully improved outcomes.
This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.