Liver Cancer Treatment in India
Liver cancer treatment depends on tumour size and number, whether blood vessels are involved, liver function, underlying liver disease and whether the cancer has spread. Options may include surgery, ablation, embolisation, radiation, systemic therapy or transplantation.
- Personalised treatment planning
- Advanced treatment options
- International patient support
About Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer most commonly refers to hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment decisions depend not only on the cancer itself but also on how well the remaining liver is functioning. Symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice or swelling, although some cancers are detected during surveillance.
Important factors in treatment planning
- Liver function
- Tumour burden
Common signs and symptoms
- Abdominal symptoms — Upper abdominal discomfort, fullness or swelling may occur.
- Jaundice or weight loss — Jaundice, loss of appetite and weight loss can occur.
How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis commonly uses multiphase CT or MRI together with liver-function assessment and blood tests. AFP may be helpful in selected cases. Biopsy is used when imaging does not provide sufficient diagnostic certainty.
- STEP 1
1. Imaging
- Multiphase CT / Liver MRI
- STEP 2
2. Blood Tests
- Liver Function Tests
- STEP 3
3. Blood Test
- AFP
- STEP 4
4. Confirmation
- Biopsy When Indicated
- STEP 5
5. Staging
- Chest / Other Staging Imaging
Already have biopsy, imaging or medical reports?
Liver Cancer Treatment Options in India
Liver Resection
Removes the tumour-bearing portion of the liver in suitable patients with adequate liver reserve.
Learn about this treatmentLiver Transplant
Replaces the diseased liver in selected patients meeting transplant criteria.
Learn about this treatmentTumour Ablation
Radiofrequency or microwave ablation can destroy selected liver tumours.
Learn about this treatmentTransarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE)
Delivers treatment through the tumour blood supply and blocks arterial flow.
Learn about this treatmentRadiation Therapy
May be used in selected tumours where surgery or ablation is not suitable.
Learn about this treatmentTargeted Therapy
Used in selected advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Learn about this treatmentImmunotherapy
Immune-based drug combinations are major options for selected advanced liver cancers.
Learn about this treatment
Advanced Liver Cancer Treatment Options
Advanced options may include laparoscopic or robotic liver resection in suitable patients, radiofrequency or microwave ablation, transarterial treatments, stereotactic radiation and liver transplant evaluation.
- 01
Laparoscopic / Robotic Liver Resection
Minimally invasive liver surgery may be appropriate for selected tumours.
Learn about this treatment - 02
Microwave / Radiofrequency Ablation
Image-guided thermal ablation treats selected small tumours.
Learn about this treatment - 03
Stereotactic Radiation
Highly focused radiation may be used for selected liver lesions.
Learn about this treatment
Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India
The total cost of liver cancer treatment in India depends on the diagnosis and combination of treatments required. A final estimate should be based on specialist review of medical records.
What affects treatment cost?
- Liver function
- tumour burden
- surgery vs ablation/TACE
- transplant evaluation
- systemic medicines
- hospital stay
All costs are indicative only. Final treatment cost depends on the confirmed diagnosis, treatment plan, implant/drug choice, hospital requirements and complications.
How Long Will Liver Cancer Treatment Take?
Ablation or transarterial treatment may involve a short stay, while liver surgery requires longer recovery. Transplant is a separate pathway with extensive evaluation, surgery and post-transplant follow-up.
- 1
Ablation / TACE
Many local or transarterial treatments involve a short admission and focused recovery.
- 2
Liver Resection
Surgery requires inpatient recovery followed by several weeks of convalescence.
- 3
Liver Transplant
Transplant requires extensive pre-operative evaluation, surgery and prolonged post-transplant follow-up.
Planning Your Stay
- Specialist review
- Treatment plan
- Expected hospital stay
- Recovery
- Safe travel
- Follow-up at home
Knowing the expected treatment schedule before travelling helps patients from Ethiopia, Uganda and other countries plan accommodation, travel and time away from home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Cancer Treatment
Related Liver Cancer Treatments
Liver Resection
Removes the tumour-bearing portion of the liver in suitable patients with adequate liver reserve.
Learn about this treatmentLiver Transplant
Replaces the diseased liver in selected patients meeting transplant criteria.
Learn about this treatmentTumour Ablation
Radiofrequency or microwave ablation can destroy selected liver tumours.
Learn about this treatmentTransarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE)
Delivers treatment through the tumour blood supply and blocks arterial flow.
Learn about this treatmentRadiation Therapy
Commonly used after breast-conserving surgery and in selected higher-risk cases after mastectomy.
Learn about this treatment
Speak With a Liver Cancer Specialist
Have your reports, imaging and previous treatment records reviewed by a specialist before you travel.
Patients can begin the consultation process before travelling to India.
A specialist consultation can help you understand:
- the type and stage of your condition
- whether additional investigations are required
- available treatment options
- whether advanced treatments may be suitable
- expected treatment duration
- indicative treatment cost
- how to plan treatment and travel to India