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Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the liver. The most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which begins in the main type of liver cell, the hepatocyte. Liver cancer can also occur when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the liver, known as secondary liver cancer.
Liver cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early detection through screening programs and awareness of risk factors can improve outcomes for individuals at risk of developing liver cancer.
Liver cancer can be caused by various factors, including chronic infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), which significantly increase the risk of developing it. Other common causes and risk factors associated with liver cancer include the following.
Conditions like cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver often caused by long-term alcohol abuse or chronic viral hepatitis infections.
Certain inherited liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease, can predispose people.
Excessive fat accumulation in the liver due to factors other than alcohol consumption, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, can increase the risk of liver cancer.
Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing liver cancer.
Chronic heavy alcohol consumption over many years can lead to irreversible liver damage, cirrhosis, and ultimately increase the risk of liver cancer.
Smoking cigarettes is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including liver cancer.
Factors like obesity, exposure to harmful chemicals, certain parasites in the liver (liver flukes), and HIV infection can also contribute to the development of liver cancer.
You may experience the following if you have liver cancer. If your symptoms are persistent or worsen, consult a qualified specialist for an accurate diagnosis & prompt treatment.
To diagnose liver cancer, various tests and procedures are used to assess the condition.
Blood tests can reveal abnormalities in liver function and may include checking for tumour markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Doctors may recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs to visualise the liver and detect abnormalities.
A liver biopsy involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing to diagnose cancer cells. This procedure helps in confirming the presence of cancer but carries some risks like bleeding and infection.
Once liver cancer is diagnosed, staging tests are conducted to determine the extent of the cancer. Staging helps understand the cancer’s size, location, and spread, which is crucial for determining treatment options and prognosis.
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
These surgical treatments offer the best chances of curing liver cancer, particularly when the cancer is localised and has not spread extensively.
This involves removing part of the liver affected by cancer. Liver resection is a viable option when the cancer is confined to the liver, and the remaining liver is healthy.
For patients with cirrhosis or specific tumour characteristics, a liver transplant may be recommended. This procedure involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor.
Non-surgical treatments are available for patients who may not be eligible for surgery.
You can significantly reduce your chances of developing liver cancer by following these prevention strategies and addressing associated risk factors.
Avoiding obesity can help protect against liver cancer, as obesity is linked to fatty liver disease and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for liver cancer.
Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses significantly increases the risk of liver cancer. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and undergoing treatment for chronic hepatitis B or C can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Alcohol abuse is a major cause of cirrhosis, which can lead to liver cancer. Quitting smoking can also slightly lower the risk of liver cancer.
Avoiding exposure to chemicals known to cause liver cancer, such as aflatoxin, can help reduce the risk.
Vaccination against hepatitis B and screening for hepatitis C is crucial in preventing liver cancer. Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B and effective treatments for hepatitis C can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis worsened by alcohol use, hemochromatosis, exposure to arsenic, intake of male hormones or anabolic steroids, and ingestion of aflatoxin can also increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
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Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-43, Singapore 329563
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6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
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Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
Yes, liver cancer can develop in previously healthy patients, although it is more common in individuals with risk factors such as hepatitis B or C infections, obesity, alcohol abuse, and cirrhosis.
While liver cancer itself is not hereditary, certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, such as hemochromatosis and certain inherited liver diseases.
You can lower your risk of getting liver cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, getting tested for hepatitis C and receiving treatment if necessary, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hemochromatosis.
The survival rate for liver cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment response. It is best to discuss a specific prognosis with a hepatologist.
Yes, fatty liver disease and liver cancer are related. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which there is an accumulation of fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol. When this fat accumulation leads to inflammation and damage to liver cells, it is called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can progress to more severe stages, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.