Liver Cancer Awareness: Know the Risks, Recognize the Signs & Act Early
By Dr. Dipak Bhangale
Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Interventional Endoscopist
Gut Sense Clinic, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
Liver cancer is a serious disease, but early detection can make a significant difference in treatment and outcomes. Many liver cancers develop in people who already have chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or viral hepatitis.
At Gut Sense Clinic, Kharghar, Dr. Dipak Bhangale provides comprehensive evaluation of liver and digestive diseases, helping patients understand their liver health and identify problems at an early stage.
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the liver grow uncontrollably.
The most common primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It often develops in a liver affected by long-standing disease such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
Importantly, not every liver tumour is cancer, and cancer can also spread to the liver from other organs. Proper evaluation is therefore essential.
Who is at higher risk?
Your risk may be higher if you have:
* Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
* Liver cirrhosis
* Long-standing fatty liver disease or metabolic liver disease
* Significant alcohol-related liver disease
* Previous liver cancer
* Certain inherited liver conditions
* Long-term liver inflammation or damage
Even people who feel completely healthy can have underlying liver disease. This is why appropriate evaluation and surveillance are important for high-risk individuals.
Warning signs of liver cancer
Early liver cancer may cause no symptoms at all.
As the disease progresses, possible symptoms can include:
* Unexplained weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Persistent fatigue or weakness
* Pain or discomfort in the upper-right abdomen
* Abdominal swelling
* Jaundice — yellowing of the eyes or skin
* Persistent nausea
* Unexplained worsening of liver function
Do not wait for symptoms if you already have cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. Regular surveillance may detect liver cancer before symptoms appear.
How is liver cancer detected?
Depending on your medical history, your doctor may recommend:
1. Liver function and blood tests
These help assess liver health and may include tumour-marker testing such as AFP when clinically appropriate.
2. Ultrasound of the liver
A commonly used surveillance tool for people at increased risk.
3. Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI
These provide more detailed imaging when a suspicious liver lesion is identified.
4. FibroScan / liver stiffness assessment
FibroScan can help assess liver fibrosis and steatosis and may be useful in evaluating chronic liver disease.
The right combination of tests depends on your individual risk factors and clinical findings.
Can liver cancer be prevented?
Not every case can be prevented, but the risk can often be reduced by taking care of liver health.
Protect your liver
✔ Get tested for hepatitis B and C when appropriate
✔ Get vaccinated against hepatitis B if recommended
✔ Maintain a healthy body weight
✔ Control diabetes, cholesterol and metabolic risk factors
✔ Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
✔ Do not take unnecessary supplements or medications that may harm the liver
✔ Follow your doctor’s advice if you have cirrhosis or chronic liver disease
✔ Attend recommended liver surveillance appointments
Fatty liver and liver cancer: Is there a connection?
Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common because of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and sedentary lifestyles.
Some patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease can develop progressive liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Advanced liver disease can increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Therefore, fatty liver should not simply be ignored. Early lifestyle intervention and appropriate medical assessment can help prevent progression.
Why regular liver check-ups matter
One of the biggest challenges with liver disease is that significant damage can occur without obvious symptoms.
If you have hepatitis, cirrhosis, significant fatty liver with fibrosis, a history of alcohol-related liver disease, or other risk factors, speak with a gastroenterologist or hepatologist about an appropriate monitoring plan.
At Gut Sense Clinic
Dr. Dipak Bhangale is a Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Interventional Endoscopist in Navi Mumbai, with expertise in the evaluation and management of complex gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
At Gut Sense Clinic, Kharghar, patients can receive comprehensive evaluation for:
* Fatty liver disease
* Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease
* Hepatitis B and C
* Abnormal liver enzymes
* Liver fibrosis assessment
* Liver lesions requiring further evaluation
* Gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders
* Advanced endoscopy when clinically indicated
When should you see a hepatologist?
Consider consulting a liver specialist if you have:
Abnormal liver tests • Fatty liver • Hepatitis B/C • Cirrhosis • Jaundice • Unexplained weight loss • A liver lesion on ultrasound/CT/MRI • Persistent abdominal symptoms
Don’t wait for symptoms to take care of your liver.
Early evaluation + appropriate surveillance + timely treatment can make a difference.