Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treatment in Singapore
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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 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.
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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.
Treatment options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Surgery: The surgical treatments for HCC are hepatectomy (removal of the diseased section of the liver) or liver transplantation.
Cost Start From USD 275000 - USD 0Explore Options
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 energy.
Embolisation: This 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.
Cost Start From USD 9000 - USD 234000Explore Options
Targeted therapy: These medications treat advanced HCC. This medication inhibits the signal that tells cancer cells to continue growing.
Cost Start From USD 10000 - USD 50000Explore Options
- 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.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) rehabilitation treatments aim to increase quality of life, accelerate physical recovery, and minimise 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 help you manage your symptoms and support your treatment plan.
Treatment regimens are tailored to the patient's specific stage and location of cancer.
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Hospitals for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Singapore
Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Gleneagles Hospital, located on Napier Road in Singapore, is a leading private healthcare institution offering comprehensive medical services and advanced clinical care. With 221 beds and a strong team of medical specialists, the hospital holds the Singapore Quality Class certification for excellence in healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities include ICU, HDU, NICU, Urgent Care Centre, operating theatres, radiology, endoscopy, laboratories, and rehabilitation units. Gleneagles specializes in orthopaedics, oncology, women’s health, and gastroenterology, offering tailored programs for cancer, bone, and gut health. With modern maternity packages and patient-friendly rooms, the hospital ensures compassionate, high-quality care focused on safety, comfort, and recovery.
Farrer Park Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
- The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
- There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
- Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
- 121 bed capacity
- Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
- Professionally implemented international patient care systems
- Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
- Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
- 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
- Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
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Why Choose Singapore for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treatment?
Here are some of the reasons for choosing Singapore:
- World-Class Medical Expertise: Singapore has qualified oncologists and hepatologists specialising in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
- Advanced Technologies: Treatment options include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), liver transplantation, and targeted medicines that use recent medical advances.
- Affordable Care: Compared to other nations, Singapore provides high-quality HCC treatments at a lower cost.
- Comprehensive Patient Support: International patients receive seamless services, such as language support and specialised care, to ensure a smooth treatment experience.
- Accredited Hospitals: Singapore's hospitals are internationally recognised, guaranteeing that patients receive high-quality care and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Singapore, liver transplantation is a viable treatment option for HCC, primarily in instances that are still in the early stages. Because there aren't many deceased donors, liver transplants using living donors are frequently performed; when people are properly chosen using predetermined medical standards, they can have positive results.
The effectiveness of HCC treatment in Singapore depends mainly on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage patients tend to have better outcomes with options such as surgery and ablation, whereas late-stage cases often face limited success. Overall, survival rates remain modest due to the late detection of the disease.
Improvements in early detection and therapeutic choices have led to better treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Singapore. Survival rates are steadily rising due to increased access to medicines, including liver transplantation, ablation, and tailored therapy, and there is hope for more advancements with more research and better healthcare programs.
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.
In Singapore, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent malignancy, especially among men. Due in large part to the high prevalence of liver illnesses like hepatitis B and C, which raise the risk of liver cancer, it is one of the top causes of cancer-related fatalities in the nation.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients' quality of life (QoL) in Singapore is affected by several variables, such as the stage of the disease, the type of treatment used, and the underlying liver function. Studies have shown that physical symptoms and psychological stress may cause patients with advanced liver disease or those receiving intense therapies to have lower quality of life (QoL) scores. However, these effects can be mitigated with early detection and effective treatment, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis and comprehensive care.
Reviewer
Dr. Mohit Agarwal
Medical Oncologist
14 Years of Experience
One of the finest Oncologist in New Delhi, India, Dr. Mohit Agarwal has worked with several world class multidisciplinary hospitals over the years. Dr. Mohit Agarwal has over 14+ years of experience in his field. The doctor treats and manages a wide range of conditions such as Stomach Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Brain Cancer View More
Last Reviewed - January 2026