Liver Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from liver cells. The term encompasses both primary liver cancer (originating in liver cells) and metastatic liver cancer (cancer that has spread from other organs).

Risk Factors:

• Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections

• Alcohol abuse and cirrhosis

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

• Exposure to aflatoxins (toxins found in contaminated food)

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose liver cancer and determine treatment options, the following tests are conducted:

• Abdominal Ultrasound – Initial imaging test to detect liver masses.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography) of the Abdomen – Provides detailed imaging of liver tumors.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the Liver – Assesses tumor size, spread, and vascular involvement.

• Hepatic Artery Angiography – Evaluates blood supply to the liver and tumors.

• AFP Blood Test (Alpha-Fetoprotein) – A tumor marker used to detect liver cancer.

• Liver Biopsy – Confirms malignancy through histopathological examination.

Treatment

The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, liver function, and the patient’s overall health:

• Surgical Treatment (Preferred Option):Partial Hepatectomy – Removal of the tumor and part of the liver (for patients with good liver function).
  Liver Transplantation – Considered in cases of localized cancer with cirrhosis.
  

• Non-Surgical Treatment (for Inoperable Cases):Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) – A minimally invasive procedure that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor while blocking its blood supply.
  Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI) – Alcohol is injected into the tumor to destroy cancerous cells.
  Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Uses heat energy to destroy cancer cells in small tumors.
  

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 25,500,000 – 33,500,000 KRW