Liver Cancer Disease – Diagnosis, Prognosis and Full Body Checkup

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How is liver cancer disease diagnosed?

Liver cancer disease is diagnosed through various methods, including:

• Imaging Tests: Techniques like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and angiography help visualize the liver and detect any abnormalities or tumors.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can identify certain markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which may be elevated in liver cancer patients.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample from the liver is examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells and their type.
• Liver Function Tests: These tests evaluate how well the liver is functioning and can indicate abnormalities that may suggest liver cancer.

Once diagnosed, further tests might be done to determine the stage and extent of the liver cancer disease, which helps in planning the appropriate treatment.

Which blood tests and markers diagnose liver cancer ?

Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing liver cancer disease by detecting certain markers and abnormalities. Some of the key blood tests and markers used in diagnosing liver cancer include:

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): AFP is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. Elevated levels of AFP in adults can indicate liver cancer disease, though not all liver cancer patients have elevated AFP levels.
• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): These tests measure levels of various enzymes and proteins in the blood that indicate how well the liver is functioning. Abnormal levels can suggest liver damage or disease, including liver cancer.
• Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP): Also known as PIVKA-II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II), elevated levels of DCP can be associated with liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Bilirubin: Elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate liver problems, including liver cancer or bile duct obstruction.
• Albumin and Total Protein: Decreased levels of albumin and total protein may indicate liver dysfunction, which could be due to liver cancer disease.

These blood tests, along with imaging studies and biopsies, help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor liver cancer. ( Know more about- What is Liver Cancer ? )

What is Alpha Fetoprotein?

Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced primarily by the liver cancer disease and yolk sac of a developing fetus. In adults, low levels of AFP are normally present in the bloodstream. However, elevated levels of AFP can be associated with certain conditions, including liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), as well as other types of cancer such as germ cell tumors and some types of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract.

AFP is often used as a tumor marker, meaning that elevated levels of AFP in the blood can indicate the presence of certain types of cancer. Note that elevated AFP levels can also occur in non-cancerous conditions such as pregnancy and liver disease. Therefore, AFP levels should be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical findings for an accurate assessment of a patient’s condition. ( Know more about- What is Hepatitis B ? )

If liver cancer is diagnosed early, how good is the prognosis?

The prognosis for liver cancer disease diagnosed at an early stage can vary depending on various factors, including the specific type and stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the effectiveness of treatment.

For early-stage liver cancer, when the cancer is localized to the liver and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs, treatment options such as surgical removal of the tumor (resection), liver transplant, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or local ablation therapies may be possible. In these cases, the prognosis can be relatively good, with a higher chance of successful treatment and long-term survival.

However, even with early diagnosis and treatment, liver cancer disease can be aggressive and have a high recurrence rate. Therefore, close monitoring and follow-up care are essential to detect any recurrence or progression of the cancer.

Emphasize that the prognosis can vary widely from one individual to another, and it’s influenced by multiple factors. 

Early detection and prompt treatment offer the best chances for a favorable outcome in liver cancer cases. Regular screenings and early intervention can significantly improve the prognosis for individuals at risk of liver cancer. Get best treatments for liver cancer and diagnosis, also book a full body health checkup .