Liver cancer is among the most common cancers in Vietnam. Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for approximately 90% of liver cancers. Other types include cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, often seen in children.

Early-stage liver cancer often presents no clear symptoms, with signs easily mistaken for common ailments. However, early detection is crucial as it allows for effective treatments such as surgical resection, liver transplant, chemoembolization, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In contrast, late-stage symptoms like weight loss, nausea, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and jaundice are more pronounced, but treatment becomes challenging, often focusing on pain and symptom relief.

Individuals over 50 years old, or those with cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, metabolic disorders, or chronic hepatitis B or C, should undergo liver cancer screening as recommended by a doctor. The specific screening techniques and frequency depend on each person's condition and risk level. Recommended screening methods include AFP liver cancer marker tests, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans. For high-risk groups, screening is advised once every six months, and for very high-risk groups, every three months.

Dr. Uan advises a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Elastography ultrasound is an advanced technique that directly measures the stiffness or elasticity of internal tissues. This differs from conventional ultrasound, which only produces images of anatomical structures to observe the size, location, and shape of organs. Elastography specifically allows doctors to assess liver structure, its elasticity, and the texture of liver parenchyma.

In addition to ultrasound techniques, the AFP liver cancer marker test can also be part of screening. Elevated AFP levels in the blood can indicate liver cancer. However, high AFP can also signal chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, and other cancers such as ovarian or testicular cancer. Depending on the patient's condition, doctors may combine ultrasound with CT or MRI scans for a definitive diagnosis. CT and MRI scans are crucial for diagnosing and classifying tumors, identifying their number, size, characteristics, potential vascular invasion, and metastasis to other organs.

To prevent liver cancer, individuals should receive the full hepatitis B vaccine course and limit alcohol consumption. Adopting a scientific diet that includes adequate carbohydrates, sugars, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, along with appropriate exercise, helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of metabolic disorders.

Dr. Nguyen Cong Uan

Liver Tumor Unit, Oncology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital HCMC