The most common form of liver cancer, often seen in people with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis.

Symptoms

• Upper abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Jaundice
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Liver failure

Causes

• The exact cause of this condition is not clear, but the proposed causes include:
• Chronic infection with certain hepatitis viruses
• DNA mutation of the liver cells
• Risk factors for development of this condition include:
• Cirrhosis
• Certain inherited liver disease
• Diabetes
• Accumulation of fat in the liver
• Exposure to aflatoxin
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Prevention

• Drink alcohol in moderation or stop completely
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid exposure to aflatoxin
• Vaccination against hepatitis B
• Know the health status of any sexual partner to prevent hepatitis C
• Safe and clean shops for piercing or tattoo to prevent hepatitis C

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• Liver function tests: Used to determine the liver functioning.
• Imaging tests: Tests like CT scan and MRI are used to get the detailed images of the liver.
• Liver biopsy: Test where a sample of the liver is taken and tested in the laboratory.