DONATELiver Cancer Treatment
Overview
At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), we provide comprehensive care for patients diagnosed with liver cancer. As one of the leading liver cancer hospitals in India, we focus on offering accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate support. From non-invasive interventional procedures to complex liver surgeries and transplants, our multidisciplinary team ensures that every patient receives world-class treatment and care. With experienced specialists, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to excellence, RGCIRC offers hope and healing for individuals facing both primary liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and secondary liver tumours that spread from other organs.
Understanding Liver Cancer: An Overview
Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the liver multiply uncontrollably and form a tumour. It can be of two main kinds:
Primary liver cancer:
Starts in the liver itself, most commonly as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Secondary liver cancer (liver metastases):
Spreads to the liver from cancers in other organs, such as the colon, breast, or lung.
Primary liver cancer is further divided into different types, each with unique features:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC):
The most common type in adults, usually seen in people with long-term liver damage such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer):
Arises in the bile ducts inside the liver; less common but often more aggressive.
(Haem)angiosarcoma:
A very rare cancer that begins in the blood vessels of the liver and tends to progress quickly.
Hepatoblastoma
A rare type that mostly affects children, with relatively better outcomes when treated early.
As the liver plays a key role in digestion, storing energy, and removing toxins, cancer in this organ can seriously affect overall health. The challenge is that liver cancer often develops quietly in its early stages, making early diagnosis and timely treatment critical. At RGCIRC, specialists use advanced technology and a personalised approach to treat both primary and secondary liver cancers effectively.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
In the early stages, liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why many cases are diagnosed late. As the disease progresses, some common signs to watch out for include:
Persistent pain or swelling in the upper right side of the abdomen
Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
Constant tiredness and weakness
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness after small meals
These symptoms can also occur in other liver or digestive problems, but if they persist, medical evaluation is essential. At RGCIRC, early recognition and prompt diagnosis help patients access treatment options that improve both survival and quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer often develops when the liver has been damaged over a long period of time. While the exact cause may not always be clear, certain factors increase the risk:
Chronic hepatitis B or C infections:
Long-term viral infections are among the leading causes of liver cancer.
Cirrhosis:
Scarring of the liver from alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, or other liver diseases raises the risk.
Excessive alcohol use:
Drinking heavily over many years can damage the liver.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity:
Fat build-up in the liver can lead to inflammation and cancer in some cases.
Family history and genetics:
Having a close relative with liver disease or cancer may increase the chances.
Understanding these risk factors helps in prevention and early detection. At RGCIRC, specialists also focus on monitoring high-risk patients so that cancer can be identified and treated as early as possible.
Advanced Diagnostics for Liver Cancer
At RGCIRC, accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of every liver cancer treatment plan. This is why our multidisciplinary team, including liver oncologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, and pathologists, works together to confirm the presence, type, and stage of the disease using advanced, evidence-based methods. The following diagnostic steps help establish a clear understanding of the condition:
Blood Tests:
Doctors may recommend a combination of blood investigations such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs) to assess liver health, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) levels to evaluate the possibility of certain liver tumours, and PIVKA-II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II), an important tumour marker that supports early detection and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Imaging Scans:
Expert radiologists use ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to obtain detailed images of the liver. These scans help identify the tumour’s location, size, and spread, providing critical information for treatment planning.
Biopsy and Histopathology:
When required, a small tissue sample from the liver is examined under the microscope to determine the exact type of tumour. Histopathology helps confirm the diagnosis and guides the selection of the most appropriate therapies.
Staging and Grading:
Once the diagnosis is established, experts evaluate how advanced the cancer is. The commonly used Stage I–IV system outlines the extent of disease, while the BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) staging system, ranging from Stage A to D, is used when additional insights about liver function and overall health are needed for personalised treatment planning.
By combining the expertise of our specialists with advanced diagnostic tools, RGCIRC ensures that every patient receives a treatment plan tailored precisely to their condition and stage of disease.
Benefits of Early Detection and Treatment
Diagnosing liver cancer early makes a significant difference in how well it can be treated. At RGCIRC, early diagnosis allows doctors to plan the most effective approach and improve outcomes for patients. The main benefits include:
Better Survival Rates:
Early-stage liver cancers respond more successfully to surgery, transplantation, or targeted therapies.
More treatment options:
Patients may qualify for less invasive procedures when the disease is detected early.
Reduced Complications:
Treating cancer before it spreads helps protect the liver’s vital functions.
Improved Quality of Life:
Early care often means fewer symptoms, less aggressive treatment, and faster recovery.
This is why RGCIRC emphasises regular monitoring for high-risk patients and timely investigations for anyone showing warning signs.
Stages of Liver Cancer
Understanding the stage of liver cancer is important because it guides treatment decisions. Doctors at RGCIRC use staging systems to describe how advanced the disease is and whether it has spread.
Stage I:
A single tumour is present in the liver, and it has not spread to blood vessels or other parts.
Stage II:
The tumour may grow into nearby blood vessels, or several small tumours may be present in the liver.
Stage III:
Multiple tumours larger than 5 cm, or cancer that has spread into major blood vessels or nearby organs.
Stage IV:
Cancer has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs (metastasis).
In addition to this system, another method called the BCLC staging system (Stage A to Stage D) may also be used. This approach not only considers the tumour size but also liver function and overall patient health, helping doctors choose the best treatment plan.
Note: Patients diagnosed at Stage 0 or Stage A often have the best chance of cure, as these early stages respond well to treatments such as surgery, ablation, or other local therapies. For those in Stage B or Stage C, cure may not always be possible, but the disease can still be effectively controlled. With the availability of newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs, many individuals experience improved outcomes and better long-term management of their condition.
Comprehensive Liver Cancer Treatments at RGCIRC
At RGCIRC, patients have access to the full spectrum of liver cancer treatments, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to complex surgeries and liver transplantation. Our multidisciplinary team ensures that each plan is tailored to the patient’s stage, health condition, and specific needs.
Surgical Options
Hepatectomy:
A single tumour is present in the liver, and it has not spread to blood vessels or other parts.
Robotic Liver Resection:
A minimally invasive approach using robotic assistance for greater precision and faster recovery.
Liver transplantation (LDLT and DDLT):
Replacing the diseased liver with a healthy one, especially for patients with advanced cancer and cirrhosis.
Liver resection for metastases:
Surgery to remove liver tumours that have spread from cancers in the colon, neuroendocrine system, or other organs.
Interventional Radiology
Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE):
Surgery to remove liver tumours that have spread from cancers in the colon, neuroendocrine system, or other organs.
Transarterial Radioembolisation (TARE):
Radioactive particles used to shrink and destroy tumours.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA):
Heat-based methods to destroy cancer cells.
Intraoperative ultrasound:
Real-time imaging during surgery to guide tumour removal accurately.
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy:
Systemic medicines used to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:
Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.
Targeted therapy:
Medicines that attack specific changes in cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Palliative Care
When cure is not possible, palliative care at RGCIRC focuses on:
Relieving pain and symptoms
Supporting liver function as much as possible
Improving overall comfort and quality of life
Why Choose RGCIRC for Liver Cancer Treatment?
At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), we know that choosing a hospital for liver cancer treatment is one of the most important decisions you and your family will ever make. That is why we are committed to offering care that combines expertise, innovation, and compassion under one roof. We provide:
Experienced Liver Cancer Specialists
At RGCIRC, every case is managed by a team of liver cancer specialists, including hepatobiliary surgeons, medical oncologists, interventional radiologists, and transplant experts. Each member brings years of experience in treating both primary and secondary liver cancers, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Advanced Technology and World-Class Infrastructure
The hospital has invested in some of the most advanced medical technologies available today. From robotic-assisted liver resections and precision-guided interventional procedures such as TACE and TARE, to a comprehensive liver transplant programme, treatments are carried out using cutting-edge methods designed to improve safety and outcomes.
A Multidisciplinary, Personalised Approach
At RGCIRC, treatment decisions are never taken in isolation. Every case is carefully reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board, where experts from different specialities collaborate to plan the most effective approach. This ensures that each treatment is medically sound and tailored to the patient’s overall health and individual condition.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Treatment
We understand that liver cancer affects more than just the body – it impacts families, lifestyles, and emotional well-being. That is why we provide holistic support, including counselling, nutrition advice, physiotherapy, pain management, and long-term follow-up. Our goal is not only to treat the disease but also to help you maintain the best possible quality of life.
When you choose RGCIRC, you are choosing one of the most trusted names in cancer care in India – a centre where expertise meets compassion, and where every patient is treated with dignity, hope, and unwavering commitment.
To consult a liver cancer specialist at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, call us at +91-11-47022222, today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the early signs of liver cancer?
Early signs may include unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or swelling, impaired digestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, and yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice). Since these symptoms can overlap with other liver or digestive conditions, timely medical evaluation is important for proper diagnosis.
How is liver cancer diagnosed at RGCIRC?
Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests such as liver function and AFP tests, imaging scans including ultrasound, CT, or MRI, and sometimes a liver biopsy. These tests help confirm the type and stage of the cancer so that treatment can be planned accurately.
What treatment options are available for liver cancer at RGCIRC?
RGCIRC offers the full range of treatments, including liver cancer surgery, robotic liver resection, interventional procedures such as TACE and TARE, ablation therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and liver transplantation.
Is liver cancer curable if detected early?
Yes. When diagnosed at an early stage, liver cancer can often be treated successfully with surgery, transplantation, or other targeted therapies, significantly improving long-term survival.
Can I get a liver transplant at RGCIRC for advanced liver cancer?
Yes. RGCIRC has an established programme for both living donor (LDLT) and deceased donor (DDLT) liver transplantation, especially for patients with advanced cancer and cirrhosis where surgery alone may not be an option.
What are the side effects of liver cancer treatment?
Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment. Surgery may involve recovery-related discomfort, while chemotherapy or targeted therapies can cause fatigue, nausea, or lowered immunity. At RGCIRC, supportive care is provided to help manage side effects effectively.
Are liver cancer treatments different for children and adults?
Yes. Children are more likely to develop hepatoblastoma, which is treated with specialised paediatric protocols. Adults usually develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma, which require different approaches.
Where can I find a trusted liver cancer hospital near me in Delhi?
If you are searching for a liver cancer hospital near me in Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) is one of the most trusted names. Our institute brings together experienced liver oncologists, surgeons, and transplant specialists under one roof, supported by advanced technology and a comprehensive range of treatments. To consult a liver cancer specialist at RGCIRC, you can call +91-11-47022222 or book an appointment through our official website www.rgcirc.org.
