What causes liver cancer?
Liver cancer develops when liver cells grow and multiply abnormally. It arises from multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause. The most common risk factors include chronic Hepatitis B and C infection (HBV, HCV), cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, aflatoxin exposure (a toxin found in moldy grains and nuts), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, genetic factors, and prolonged exposure to chemicals or substances toxic to the liver.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, bloating and abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, dark urine, and pale stools. Because these symptoms often appear only in later stages, many patients are diagnosed after the cancer has already progressed — making regular screening essential for those at higher risk.
Can liver cancer be cured?
Treatment outcomes depend significantly on the stage at which the cancer is detected.
When caught early, liver cancer can be treated with surgery, liver transplantation, or other targeted therapies including chemotherapy. For patients who undergo surgery or liver transplantation, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 50–70%.
When detected at an advanced stage, the chance of a full cure decreases considerably, and survival rates are significantly lower. This is why early detection through regular screening makes such a critical difference.
Who is at risk of liver cancer?
Higher-risk groups include people with chronic Hepatitis B or C infection, those who consume alcohol heavily, those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and those with a history of liver cirrhosis. Anyone with one or more of these risk factors should discuss regular liver cancer screening with their doctor.
How can liver cancer be prevented?
Several steps can meaningfully reduce the risk of liver cancer:
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B — this also provides indirect protection against Hepatitis D
- Avoid or strictly limit alcohol consumption
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease
- Undergo regular health check-ups and liver cancer screening, which may include:
– Hepatitis B and C screening blood tests
– Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test — a tumor marker associated with liver cancer
– Liver ultrasound to detect abnormalities early
For appointments or consultations, please contact Bangkok Hospital Pattaya’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Center through any of our available channels. Tel. 0 3825 9999
