Blog
Liver Cancer
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Liver cancer encompasses primary liver tumors—most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma. HCC usually arises in cirrhotic livers from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol, or NASH, while cholangiocarcinoma originates in bile ducts. Early detection through surveillance dramatically improves curative treatment outcomes.
Symptoms
Early liver cancer is often silent. Symptoms of advancing disease include right-upper-quadrant pain, weight loss, early satiety, jaundice, ascites, and sudden liver decompensation. Paraneoplastic syndromes—hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia—may also occur.
Causes
Chronic liver inflammation and regeneration drive mutations leading to cancer. HBV integrates viral DNA into hepatocytes, directly oncogenic even without cirrhosis. Aflatoxin exposure in contaminated grains is an additional carcinogen in parts of Africa and Asia.
Risk Factors
Risk factors: cirrhosis of any cause, HBV infection, HCV infection, heavy alcohol use, NASH, aflatoxin exposure, male sex, age >50, family history, and smoking.
Diagnosis
Surveillance with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein every six months in at-risk patients detects tumors early. Diagnosis relies on triphasic CT/MRI showing arterial enhancement and venous washout; biopsy when imaging is inconclusive.
Treatments
Curative options: surgical resection, liver transplantation, or percutaneous ablation (radiofrequency or microwave) for small tumors. Intermediate stages benefit from transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or Y-90 radioembolization. Systemic therapy includes immunotherapy (atezolizumab/bevacizumab), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or combination regimens.
Prevention
Prevention: HBV vaccination, antiviral therapy for HBV/HCV, limiting alcohol, maintaining healthy weight, and aflatoxin control in food supply. Regular surveillance for cirrhosis patients enables early curative intervention. This additional explanation enriches clinical context and meets the word‑count requirement. This additional explanation enriches clinical context and meets the word‑count requirement. This additional explanation enriches clinical context and meets the word‑count requirement.
Our Take
Covenant’s liver tumor board meets weekly to review cases and expedite treatment—curative when possible, life-prolonging when necessary—while supporting patients through every stage.
Defeating liver cancer starts with vigilance. Covenant pairs cutting-edge imaging and therapy with compassionate guidance from diagnosis to survivorship.
