Can late-stage liver cancer be treated?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on May 01, 2025
00:00
00:00

In the late stage of liver cancer, treatment depends on the specific circumstances. If there is significant ascites or severe liver function damage, treatment may primarily involve optimal supportive care. If the patient's liver function is relatively good, such as in hepatocellular carcinoma, targeted therapy may be an option. If the patient's overall condition allows, other treatment methods such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be considered. Furthermore, if the pathology is cholangiocarcinoma with jaundice as the main symptom, a stent can be placed externally in the biliary tract to drain bile and alleviate jaundice symptoms. If there is no portal vein thrombosis, no significant ascites, and multiple liver metastases are present, chemotherapy embolization of hepatic veins and various local ablation treatments can also be considered. Thus, the specific approach should take into account multiple factors such as the patient's constitution, overall condition, and the severity of liver function impairment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
48sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of primary liver cancer

Primary liver cancer often shows no obvious symptoms in its early stages. It may present symptoms similar to indigestion, hepatitis, etc. For example, there might be slight discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen, aversion to oil, or loss of appetite. Generally, regular health check-ups are needed, including imaging studies of the liver such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Liver function tests and tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) should also be performed. In most cases of primary liver cancer, AFP levels will be elevated. Combined with imaging studies, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. A definitive diagnosis requires liver biopsy or confirmation through pathology after surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
58sec home-news-image

Can hepatitis B lead to liver cancer?

Hepatitis B can cause chronic infection in the body, which may damage liver cells and potentially lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Therefore, in cases of hepatitis B virus infection, it is necessary to regularly check liver function and hepatitis B virus DNA. If abnormal transaminase levels are found, timely liver-protective and enzyme-lowering treatments should be administered. If the hepatitis B virus DNA reaches a certain level, antiviral treatment should be initiated to potentially slow the progression of hepatitis B developing into liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Additionally, carriers of the hepatitis B virus or patients with hepatitis B should take care to rest adequately, avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late, abstain from alcohol, and maintain a light, digestible diet.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
25sec home-news-image

Can hepatitis B develop into liver cancer?

Hepatitis B, also known as Type B Hepatitis, can develop into liver cancer. In China, most liver cancer patients are caused by Hepatitis B. To prevent Hepatitis B from developing into liver cancer, the key is to seek early, timely, and standardized treatment. For specific treatment guidelines and treatment plans, consult a qualified hospital.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Does early-stage liver cancer cause the complexion to become dark?

Patients with early-stage liver cancer do not experience darkening of the facial complexion. This is because early-stage liver cancer primarily refers to carcinoma in situ of the liver and some small liver cancers. Since the tumors are small and the affected area is limited, they generally cause few symptoms clinically. Some patients may experience mild fatigue and a decrease in appetite, but these do not lead to changes in the complexion. Only when the liver cancer progresses to the middle or late stages, causing damage to liver cell functions or when the pathology metastasizes, leading to damage to multiple organ functions, can there be some changes in facial complexion. For example, patients may exhibit pale complexions due to moderate to severe anemia. Some patients may have yellowing of the skin due to obstructive jaundice or hepatocellular jaundice. Additionally, some patients may show darkening of the facial complexion due to abnormal hormone secretion.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
1min 14sec home-news-image

Why can't people with liver cancer drink milk?

Liver cancer patients are generally advised not to drink milk, particularly in cases of advanced liver cancer where there is a potential for hepatic encephalopathy. This is because, for patients in the late stages of liver cancer, liver function is compromised, and some may already exhibit symptoms indicative of pre-hepatic encephalopathy. Consuming a diet rich in protein can easily trigger hepatic encephalopathy, and since milk is high in protein, its consumption is usually limited or avoided in such patients. However, for the majority of liver cancer patients, drinking milk is permissible as it not only contains abundant protein but also rich calcium, which is beneficial for the recovery of liver cancer patients. Most liver cancer patients have hypoalbuminemia (low levels of protein in the blood) and some also have hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood), thus the intake of calcium and protein-rich foods can be very beneficial for their recovery.