Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treatment in Singapore

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 the following:

• 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.

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Singapore

• Treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is progressing in Singapore thanks to innovative therapies, including nivolumab immunotherapy and Y90 radioembolisation, which exhibit better response rates. Through the identification of biomarkers and multi-omics profiling in high-risk patients, the ELEGANCE project promotes early detection and individualised treatment.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Prevention Tips

There are various ways to reduce your risk of developing HCC. You can do:

• 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.