Liver Cancer

High‑risk patients (e.g., with hepatitis B/C, cirrhosis, or diabetes) should undergo regular ultrasound imaging of the liver every 6 months, often combined with alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests. These screenings can detect small tumors before symptoms appear. When is a liver transplant considered for liver cancer, and what criteria must be met?::A liver transplant is considered when the cancer is confined to the liver, meets the Milan criteria (single tumor ≤5 cm or up to three tumors each ≤3 cm), and the patient has suitable overall health. The transplant team evaluates liver function, overall fitness, and absence of extra‑hepatic disease before listing. How does chemotherapy or radiation therapy fit into the treatment plan for liver cancer?::Chemotherapy (often systemic agents like sorafenib or lenvatinib) and radiation (such as stereotactic body radiation therapy) are used when surgery or transplant isn’t feasible, or to shrink tumors pre‑operatively. They can also be combined with locoregional therapies like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to control tumor growth. What lifestyle modifications can help prevent recurrence after treatment for liver cancer?::After treatment, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar, avoiding hepatotoxic medications, and regular monitoring with imaging and AFP tests can reduce recurrence risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and antiviral therapy for hepatitis C also help protect liver health.