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Overview of Hong Kong
The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs, responsible for producing proteins, storing vitamins and minerals, and facilitating red blood cell metabolism, among other critical functions. However, the liver is also prone to developing cancer cells, which pose a significant threat to life.
Liver cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer in Hong Kong. In 2022, there were 1,612 new cases of liver cancer, accounting for 4.6% of all new cancer cases in the city. The crude incidence rate was 22 new cases per 100,000 people in Hong Kong. Additionally, liver cancer is the third most fatal cancer locally, causing 1,412 deaths in 2022, which represents 9.6% of all cancer-related deaths. Men are predominantly affected by liver cancer, with a male-to-female incidence ratio of approximately 2.7 to 1 in 2022.
Treating liver cancer is relatively challenging, primarily because patients are often diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stages, which significantly impacts cure rates. Data show that the overall five-year relative survival rate for liver cancer patients is 29.5%. Therefore, prevention is better than cure. The public is advised to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, and individuals who are hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular follow-ups to detect liver tumors early.
For primary hepatoma, tumours originate from mutations in the DNA of liver cells, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Chronic hepatitis infections cause some genetic mutations, while the causes of others remain unclear and warrant further study. However, the medical community generally recognises the following factors as having a higher risk of cancer:
Symptoms of Hepatoma
The liver can regenerate; even when a significant portion loses functionality, it can still operate normally. While this benefits the body, hepatoma patients may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Early-stage hepatoma typically shows no apparent signs, and discomfort only arises when the tumour grows to a specific size. Related symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen, shoulder pain, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, nausea, a lump in the upper abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, and abdominal swelling. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Common Diagnostic Methods
If a doctor suspects a patient has hepatoma, various methods will be employed for further examination. General diagnostic approaches include:
After conducting these examinations, the doctor assesses the stage of hepatoma based on factors such as the location, size, and extent of the cancer cells’ spread. Generally, hepatoma can be classified into stages I through IV:
| Stage | Description |
| IA | The tumour diameter does not exceed 2 cm and has not yet invaded blood vessels or spread to nearby lymph nodes. |
| IB | Tumour diameter exceeds 2 cm but has not yet invaded blood vessels or spread to nearby lymph nodes. |
| II | A single tumour larger than 2 cm has invaded blood vessels, or multiple tumours not exceeding 5 cm in diameter, with neither spreading to lymph nodes nor other tissues. |
| IIIA | Multiple tumours, with at least one larger than 5 cm, but still not spread to lymph nodes or other distant tissues. |
| IIIB | At least one tumour of any size has invaded the prominent hepatic veins but has not spread to lymph nodes or other distant tissues. |
| IVA | One or more tumours of any size have spread to nearby lymph nodes but have not further spread to other distant tissues. |
| IVB | One or more tumours of any size may not have invaded lymph nodes but have spread to other locations, such as the bones or lungs. |
Primary Treatment Methods
Once doctors clearly understand the patient’s condition, they can select the most appropriate treatment method. Compared to other types of cancer, hepatoma treatment methods are relatively diverse and can be broadly categorised as follows:
Healthy Living
The patient’s condition should significantly improve after completing the treatment plan under the doctor’s guidance. However, patients should pay close attention to their daily details during recovery to ensure optimal treatment effectiveness. For example, patients can increase their intake of foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting animal fats. Additionally, patients should steer clear of tobacco and alcohol; those with smoking or drinking habits should quit promptly. Most importantly, regular follow-up appointments are essential, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to a doctor for professional advice.
Prevention Methods
Addressing the risk factors mentioned above, the following measures can help prevent future hepatoma:
Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatoma refers to cancer cells growing in the liver, which can be subdivided into various types, including primary hepatoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cholangiocarcinoma, while another type, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, grows at the junction of the liver’s bile ducts.
Many crops can potentially contain aflatoxin, including peanuts, corn, and tree nuts, and it is not feasible to eliminate aflatoxin from food. However, storing food in a cool, dry place can prevent it from moulding and becoming contaminated with aflatoxin. If you are at high risk for liver disease, it is advisable to avoid foods that may contain aflatoxin.
Some symptoms of hepatoma, such as loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice, are not unique to hepatoma and may be caused by other health issues. Therefore, if you notice these symptoms, pay attention but do not panic; if the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.
First, try to maintain a positive and calm mindset, following your doctor’s instructions for treatment while understanding that the side effects after treatment are typical. Excessive anxiety will not contribute positively to your condition. Communicate with family, friends, or social workers to help them understand your needs.
Second, while undergoing treatment, maintain good personal habits, including moderate exercise and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, to improve your immunity and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
The recurrence rate largely depends on the individual patient. As mentioned above, if a patient has hepatitis B or C or is at high risk for hepatitis, or has a long history of smoking, drinking, or consuming aflatoxin, even after recovering from hepatoma, they still face a higher risk of recurrence. Therefore, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and regular follow-up appointments is crucial for monitoring recovery or recurrence.
*Sources:
Cancer Online Resource Hub
▣ The information on this website has been reviewed by the HEAL Medical Team and is regularly updated according to the most recent clinical evidence. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.
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