A diagnosis of liver cancer is scary for anyone, but it can be especially hard for patients who already have chronic liver disease. Many people think that liver cancer means survival rates are low. However, improvements in medical research and treatment have changed this view. Now, many liver disease patients can survive, particularly if the cancer is found early and treated by specialists.
Understanding the Link Between Liver Disease and Liver Cancer
Most primary liver cancer cases, known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), occur in people with existing liver disease. Conditions like cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease damage the liver over time. Ongoing inflammation and scarring raise the risk of abnormal cell growth, which may lead to cancer.
Since liver disease causes symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and loss of appetite, early signs of liver cancer often go unnoticed. This makes regular monitoring very important for at-risk patients.
Can Patients with Liver Disease Survive Liver Cancer?
Yes, survival is possible, but it depends on several key factors:
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis
- Extent of liver damage
- Overall health of the patient
- Access to timely and appropriate treatment
When liver cancer is found early, before it spreads and while liver function is still good, patients have much better outcomes.
Treatment Options for Liver Disease Patients with Cancer
Managing liver cancer in patients who also have liver disease requires careful consideration of tumour treatment and preserving liver function.
- Surgical Resection
In selected patients with early-stage cancer and healthy liver function, removing the tumour surgically might be an option. This choice is limited to those whose liver can handle surgery without failing afterward.
- Liver Transplant
For patients with both liver cancer and advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant can be a life-saving choice. Transplantation removes both the cancer and the damaged liver, offering the best long-term survival rates for qualified patients. Strict criteria determine eligibility.
- Localised Therapies
When surgery is not an option, localised treatments can help control tumour growth:
- Radiofrequency or microwave ablation
- Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE)
- Radioembolisation
These treatments target cancer directly while protecting healthy liver tissue.
- Systemic Therapies
Advanced liver cancer may require medications that circulate through the bloodstream, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy. These treatments have improved survival and quality of life for many patients, even when a cure is not possible.
Importance of Early Detection and Specialist Care
Early detection is crucial for survival. Patients with chronic liver disease should have regular imaging and blood tests to catch cancer at its earliest stage. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed late due to insufficient monitoring.
This is why care from experienced specialists is so important. Visiting gastroenterologists like Dr Fernandes Mark Lee ensures proper monitoring, accurate diagnosis, and access to the best treatment options. A gastroenterologist collaborates closely with oncologists and transplant teams to provide thorough care.
Conclusion
So, can liver disease patients survive liver cancer? The answer is increasingly yes. With early detection, modern treatment options, and expert care from specialists like Dr Fernandes Mark Lee, many patients can achieve longer survival and a meaningful quality of life. Liver cancer is serious, but there is now hope.
