liver cancer

Cost and Overview of Liver Cancer Treatment in India

Liver cancer treatment costs in India range from $1,933 to $5,155 USD (150,000 to 400,000 INR). The total cost may vary depending on factors such as diagnostic tests, type of treatment, and hospital charges. Non-surgical treatments are often more cost-effective compared to surgical options.

Liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, originates in the liver and can lead to internal bleeding or bile duct blockage. It is often associated with liver damage from causes like cirrhosis, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and certain genetic disorders.

Liver cancer can be categorized into various types, including hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hemangiosarcomas, fibrolamellar HCC, and bile duct cancers (cholangiocarcinomas). Each type has its own characteristics and treatment approach.

Symptoms of liver cancer may include fatigue, jaundice, vomiting, fever, itching, enlarged liver, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling, and changes in skin and eye color.

Liver cancer can result from factors such as chemical mutations in liver cells, rapid tumor growth, diabetes, viral infections (hepatitis A and B), genetic disorders (Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis), alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, aflatoxin contamination, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Diagnosis involves various screening tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, angiogram, MRI, laparoscopy, and blood tests to evaluate liver function and detect tumor markers.

Liver cancer is staged using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, ranging from early-stage tumors confined to the liver (Stage 1) to advanced-stage cancer spread to distant sites (Stage 4B).

Treatment options for liver cancer include:

• Liver Transplant: Involves replacing the diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.
• Non-Transplant Options: Radiofrequency ablation and partial hepatectomy are surgical options for tumor removal.
• Chemotherapy: Chemoembolization (TACE) blocks the hepatic artery to starve the tumor of blood.
• Radiotherapy: TARE and EBRT/SBRT deliver radiation to target cancer cells.
• Percutaneous Ethanol Injection: Ethanol injection dehydrates cancer cells, effectively treating some liver cancers.

After treatment, patients require regular follow-up examinations to monitor their condition and detect any recurrence or side effects. Lifestyle changes, adequate rest, social support, healthy diet, and regular exercise contribute to recovery.

Several hospitals in India offer advanced treatment for liver cancer, including Aster Medcity (Kochi), HCG Manavata (Nashik), Fortis BG Road (Bengaluru), Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Manipal Hospital (WCost and Overview of Kidney Cancer Treatment in India