Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the liver, forming a cancerous tumour. According to the 2023 report on the top ten most common cancers in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, liver cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancers in Hong Kong and third among the deadliest. Because the liver tissue itself has limited pain-sensing nerves, early liver cancer often causes little or no pain. Pain or discomfort is more likely to occur when a tumour grows large enough to stretch the liver capsule or affect nearby tissues, leading many patients to be diagnosed at an intermediate or advanced stage.

At OncoCare, we deeply understand the stress you and your family face when dealing with concerns about liver cancer. We have a professional and clinically experienced team of oncology healthcare professionals dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support—from precise diagnosis and personalised treatment to the recovery process or follow-up care. We will walk alongside you every step of the way.

Liver cancer typically has no symptoms in its early stages, making early detection difficult. However, as the tumour grows, patients who are suspected of having or have been diagnosed with liver cancer may experience the following common symptoms:

• Pain and Discomfort: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, severe pain and/or swelling of the abdomen.

• Digestive System Effects: Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss.

• Systemic Reactions: Weakness and fatigue, fever.

• Physical changes: If bile flow is obstructed or jaundice develops, patients may also notice yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, or pale stools.

If you or a family member consistently experience the above symptoms of liver cancer, avoid self-diagnosing or delaying care. Seeking an early clinical evaluation from an oncologist or gastroenterologist is key to treatment. Professional medical imaging scans can objectively assess liver health and prevent delays in diagnosis.

Understanding the causes of liver cancer is the first step toward early detection and prevention. The following are the main risk factors for liver cancer:

• Viral Infections: Chronic hepatitis B or C infection is an important risk factor for primary liver cancer. In Hong Kong and many Asian populations, hepatitis B is associated with a substantial proportion of liver cancer cases. People with chronic hepatitis, especially those with cirrhosis, have a significantly increased risk of liver cancer.

• Pre-existing conditions: These include fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or type 2 diabetes.

• Liver structural changes: Liver scarring (cirrhosis).

• Unhealthy lifestyle habits and environmental factors: Heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Receiving a diagnosis of advanced or stage IV liver cancer can often be overwhelming. Modern oncology emphasizes quality of life through “living with cancer.” Through multidisciplinary medical teams and comprehensive treatment plans—including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care—patients can effectively manage their condition.

After diagnosis, accurately assessing the stage of liver cancer is central to developing a personalized treatment plan. Liver cancer is generally classified into four main stages, with Stage III further subdivided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC:

• Stage I: There is a single tumour that has not grown into blood vessels

• Stage II: There is a single tumour that has grown into blood vessels, or there are several tumours that are less than 5 cm across

• Stage IIIA: There are several tumours, and at least one is larger than 5 cm across

• Stage IIIB: The Tumour has grown into a branch of the major liver blood vessels (portal vein or hepatic vein)

• Stage IIIC: The tumour is growing into a nearby organ (other than the gallbladder) or has grown into the outer membrane of the liver

• Stage IV: Tumours in the liver may be of any size or number and have spread to nearby lymph nodes and/or distant organs

It is important to note that treatment decisions for liver cancer depend not only on tumour stage, but also on liver function, the degree of cirrhosis, overall health, tumour number and location, and whether there is vascular invasion. Receiving a diagnosis of advanced or stage IV liver cancer can often be overwhelming. Modern oncology emphasises the importance of quality of life while “living with cancer.” Through multidisciplinary medical teams and comprehensive treatment plans—including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and relief support —patients can effectively manage their condition.

To determine the stage of liver cancer and identify appropriate treatment, OncoCare arranges various tests for patients with suspected or confirmed diagnoses. The following are key diagnostic tests for liver cancer:

Initial Medical Imaging

• Ultrasound: To locate tumours within the liver.

Advanced Imaging Scans

• Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Use the resulting images to obtain information such as the tumour’s size and location.

• Angiography: Examine the arteries supplying blood to the liver cancer.

Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

• Laparoscopy

• Biopsy: If imaging findings are not conclusive, or if further pathological or molecular testing is needed, the doctor may recommend taking a tissue sample for examination.

• Staging Assessment: Determining whether the cancer has spread beyond the liver.

We are committed to providing a patient-centered medical experience:

• High-Privacy Consultation Environment: Located in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, our clinics offer comfortable and highly private specialist spaces.

• Experienced Medical Team: You will be personally cared for by experienced clinical oncologists.

• Multidisciplinary Treatment Plans: We integrate networks of surgical and radiation therapy specialists to provide personalized, evidence-based treatment.

• Comprehensive Support Throughout Your Cancer Journey: We offer full support from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, ensuring patients and caregivers feel safe and cared for.