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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 Thailand

  • Recent advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) treatment in Thailand 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:

  • 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 45000 - USD 60000Explore 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.

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.


Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 13578Explore Options

Targeted therapy: These medications treat advanced HCC. This medication inhibits the signal that tells cancer cells to continue growing.


Cost Start From USD 3500Explore 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.

Rehabilitation treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) 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 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 Thailand

Phyathai 2 International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Phyathai 2 International Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Phyathai 2 International Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Fully equipped rooms are available for convenience of the patients- Gold B Room, Gold A Room, Pediatric Gold A, Platinum room, and Prestige ward
  • Nearby accommodations are also available- Abloom Service Apartments, Bangkok Patio, VIB Best Western Sanam Pao, VIC3 Hotel
  • Operating room
  • International Patient Medical Center to assist overseas patients
Bangpakok 9 International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Bangpakok 9 International Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangpakok 9 International Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • It would be prudent to summarise the Medical Services provided at the Bangpakok 9 International Hospital (BPK 9), Bangkok, Thailand:
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Implants
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
  • Exercise Stress Test
  • Health Screening
  • Laser Vagina Firming
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Perfect Slim by Vela II
  • Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal
  • Prosthodontics
  • The Medical Services are also inclusive of the International Patient Services such as the ones listed here:
  • Thai, English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladeshi, Bahasa and Tagalog are the languages in which there are Translation services available for International Patients.
  • Visa extension related assistance
  • International health insurance related assistance
  • Embassy and international organizations related assistance
  • A variety of meals of choice for International Patients
  • Email consultation services
  • Transfer to either airport and/or hotels
  • Prayer room
  • Four different types of rooms are available such as Deluxe room, two kinds of suites, and a VIP suite.
  • Hospital facilities like The Coffee shop, Food Hall, Cafe and Medical Spa.
  • Complete health and safety protocols are maintained in the various Medical Centers some of whom are as follows:
  • Aesthetic Center
  • 24 Hour Emergency Center
  • Allergy Center
  • Breast Center
  • bSmart Center
  • Checkup Center
  • Dental Center,
  • Happy Long Life Center
  • Medical Fitness Center
  • Psychiatric Center
  • Rehabilitation Center
  • Sleep Disorders Center
Bangkok Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • It is recognised for the application of the newest healthcare technology.
  • Blood analysis center that is not just the best in Thailand but in Asia Pacific as well.
  • Biomolecule center that is the seed of healthcare equipment for Thailand and overseas.
  • International affiliations and collaborations with universities and hospitals in Japan and the United States of America.
  • 11 hospitals are recognised as Centers of Excellence.
  • Known excellence in Trauma, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular, Neurology as well as Cancer Care.
  • There is a proper streamlined patient services process followed in Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • A well developed research center showcases the intent of the organisation to provide research based treatment opportunities to the patients.
  • The group has several Medical industry partnerships as well to ensure healthcare solutions.

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Why Choose Thailand for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Thailand:

  • World-Class Medical Expertise: Thailand 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, Thailand 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: Thailand's hospitals are internationally recognised, guaranteeing that patients receive high-quality care and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, liver transplantation is a potential therapeutic option for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in Thailand, particularly for patients with early-stage malignancy, tumours localised to the liver, and cirrhosis. Thailand has several reputed transplant centres that do liver transplants with success rates, ensuring thorough care throughout the process.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is treated effectively in Thailand, especially when diagnosed early. Thailand's hospitals achieve excellent patient outcomes by using advanced therapies.

The country's cutting-edge technologies, trained specialists, and comprehensive treatment programs all help to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for people receiving HCC treatment.

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.

Yes, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is relatively common in Thailand, owing to the high incidence of chronic liver illnesses such as hepatitis B and C infections, both of which are key risk factors for HCC. Cirrhosis, which can lead to liver cancer, is another major issue in the country. As a result, early detection and treatment of HCC are essential for better outcomes.

Many patients can maintain a high quality of life because to improved therapies such surgery, liver transplants, and personalized medications. However, the disease's impact varies according to cancer stage and treatment options.