Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treatment in India
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What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)?
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. It is an aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that most commonly affects persons with severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis. People with HCC are increasingly being diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which can develop to cirrhosis.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Early treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is essential for improving patient outcomes and survival rates. Early discovery enables more effective treatment choices, such as surgical resection, liver transplantation, or local therapy (e.g., ablation or embolisation), which may cure the cancer or considerably postpone its progression. Delaying treatment can cause tumour growth, spread (metastasis), and poor liver function, making cancer more difficult to cure and decreasing the likelihood of a favourable outcome. Early intervention also enhances quality of life by enabling more effective symptom management.
What are the Common Symptoms of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)?
Tumours may not present symptoms in their early stages. However, as HCC proceeds, you may notice:
- Fullness or a knot under your right ribs (symptoms of an enlarged liver).
- Fullness under your ribs on the left side (symptoms of an expanded spleen).
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (an indication of jaundice).
- A distended stomach, as if it is overflowing with fluid.
- Appetite loss or feeling full after eating a little meal.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Itching.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Causes
- Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs when liver cells' DNA undergoes modifications (mutations).
- A cell's DNA contains the instructions for every chemical process in your body. DNA mutations alter these instructions.
- As a result, cells may grow out of control, eventually becoming a tumour—a mass of malignant cells.
Risk Factors
The following conditions enhance your risk of developing HCC:
- Hepatitis B infection: Hepatitis B infection can cause HCC even in the absence of liver cirrhosis or before it develops.
- Hepatitis C Infection: A viral infection that spreads through blood.
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): It is a disorder that causes excessive fat to accumulate in the liver.
- Alcohol use disorder: The liver has a tough time processing alcohol. Drinking too much of it can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in India
- Recent advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) treatment in India include targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Furthermore, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), and liver transplantation are becoming more common, with ongoing clinical trials investigating gene therapy and combination medicines to improve treatment outcomes.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Prevention Tips
There are various ways to lower your chance of having HCC. You can do:
- Lower your risk of cirrhosis.
- To lower your risk of developing cirrhosis, avoid drinking alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Vaccinate against hepatitis B.
- You can lower your risk of contracting hepatitis B by getting the vaccine.
- Take steps to prevent hepatitis C.
- Do not use intravenous drugs,
- When getting a piercing or tattoo, look for safe and clean shops.
- Seek treatment for hepatitis B or C infections.
Treatment options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Treatments include:
Surgery: The surgical treatments for HCC are hepatectomy (removal of the diseased section of the liver) or liver transplantation.
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Ablation therapy: This involves the use of a specialised needle to burn malignancies. The needle can direct highly hot energy (microwaves or radiofrequency waves) or extremely cold.
Embolisation: It is the process of implanting a material directly into the arteries that supply the tumour, blocking blood flow.
Radiation therapy: Providers may recommend radiation therapy to treat tiny cancers that cannot be removed surgically or destroyed through ablation.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs are also used to treat advanced HCC. They help your immune system recognise and combat cancer cells.
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Targeted therapy: These medications treat advanced HCC. This medication inhibits the signal that tells cancer cells to continue growing.
Cost Start From USD 8000 - USD 12000Explore Options
The following tests can assist in confirming a diagnosis:
- Blood tests: Your provider may check your blood for indicators of HCC, such as elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Elevated AFP levels may indicate HCC or a disease that can develop into HCC, such as hepatitis infection or liver cirrhosis.
- Imaging scans: Imaging treatments such as an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or angiography can detect cancers (or indicators of a tumour) within your liver.
- Liver biopsy: Your doctor may do a liver biopsy to look for cancer cells. If your bloodwork and imaging scans do not provide enough information to make a diagnosis, you may need this test.
Rehabilitation treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) are aimed at increasing quality of life, accelerating physical recovery, and minimising therapeutic side effects. Here are the main rehabilitation alternatives for HCC patients:
Physical Rehabilitation: After liver surgery or transplant, patients may receive physical therapy to restore strength, increase flexibility, and minimise fatigue. A personalised workout regimen might help you improve your overall fitness and stamina.
Mobility assistance: Patients with limited movement due to treatment side effects may benefit from exercises to enhance balance and coordination.
Psychosocial support: Therapy or joining a support group can help cancer patients deal with the emotional and mental challenges of their treatment.
MediGence can assist and guide you in selecting the best physician and medical facility for your care.
Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may prescribe medication to assist you in managing your symptoms and support your treatment plan.
Treatment regimens are adapted to the patient's specific cancer stage and location.
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Hospitals for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in India
Fortis Hospital
Mohali, India
Fortis Hospital, Mohali, is a leading 400+ bed tertiary care hospital across 8.22 acres, accredited by JCI, NABH, and NABL, offering 42 specialties. The hospital excels in Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Robotic Surgery, and Transplants. Fortis Cancer Institute provides advanced cancer care with robotic surgery, LINAC, PET-CT, and a multidisciplinary Tumor Board. The Cardiac Centre features 3 high-end cath labs, heart transplants, and expert cardiologists. Neurosciences and Orthopaedics Centres offer advanced brain, spine, joint, and trauma care. Fortis Paalna ensures world-class maternity and neonatal services, including high-risk pregnancy management and stem cell collection, making it a top healthcare destination in North India.
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla
Delhi, India
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, located in New Delhi, was founded in 1988 and is a JCI-accredited cardiac care centre, as well as the largest private heart hospital in the Asia-Pacific region. The hospital has 285 beds, five cath labs, state-of-the-art ICUs, and NABL-accredited labs and offers advanced cardiac care surgery 24?7. The hospital also provides advanced cardiac treatment, but is particularly well-known for heart transplants as well as minimally invasive cardiac surgery and paediatric cardiology. The hospital offers world-class facilities and patient-centric services, providing comprehensive support to all international patients.
Asian Institute of Medical Sciences
Faridabad, India
Asian Institute of Medical Sciences located in Faridabad, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 425 bed capacity
- Preventive and diagnostic sevices of the hospital are its strength.
- It is also well recognised for the therapeutic and rehabilitative services.
- For patients who need end process care for advanced healthcare conditions, the palliative services that the hospital provides are a boon.
- The healthcare delivery of AIMS, Delhi/NCR is focused on patient care.
- Research focused organisation
- International Patient care center is present to liason with medical travellers
- Focus on Academics, various healthcare educational programmes
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Why Choose India for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treatment?
Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:
- Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
- World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
- Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
- Indian hospitals provide International patient services, including a multilingual support system.
- Improved treatment methods and biological therapies
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, liver transplantation is a possibility for patients with early-stage HCC, mainly if the tumour is localised to the liver and the patient has cirrhosis. India has several transplant centres that provide this procedure.
Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance of survival. Surgical resection or liver transplantation can provide a cure in the early stages, while modern therapies such as targeted medicines and immunotherapy can enhance quality of life and increase survival.
Survival rates vary depending on the stage of diagnosis. Early-stage HCC treated with surgery or liver transplantation has a much greater survival rate; however, advanced cases may have a poorer survival rate despite treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly enhance outcomes.
Yes, lifestyle changes include:
- Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Managing chronic liver illnesses such as hepatitis or fatty liver can help avoid or better manage HCC.
HCC is one of the most common malignancies in India, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections. However, its prevalence is on the rise as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver damage become more common.
Many patients can retain a high quality of life thanks to improved treatments such as surgery, liver transplants, and tailored medications. However, the disease's impact varies depending on the stage of cancer and the available treatment options.