INFO & BLOG
About diagnosis, treatment and recovery
What is the difference between HCC, cholangiocarcinoma and liver metastasis?
HCC arises from the liver’s own cells, cholangiocarcinoma from the bile ducts; a liver metastasis has spread from another organ. This distinction entirely changes the treatment modality and sequence.
What is the BCLC staging system?
A staging system for liver cancer (HCC) that jointly assesses tumor size/number, vascular involvement, liver function and performance status to guide treatment selection.
Who decides whether I will have surgery, ablation or TACE/TARE?
The decision belongs to the tumor council, not a single physician; the modality and sequence are determined by tumor type, stage and liver reserve.
What is RFA/microwave ablation?
An interventional method in which small tumors are destroyed non-surgically with heat energy; effective in suitable small HCC and selected metastases.
What are TACE and TARE (Y-90) and when are they used?
TACE delivers chemotherapy plus an embolic agent through the vessel feeding the tumor; TARE (Y-90 radioembolization) delivers targeted irradiation with radioactive microspheres via the same route. They are considered in multifocal or hypervascular tumors.
Can liver surgery be done robotically/minimally invasively?
In suitable cases, yes. Da Vinci robotic or laparoscopic hepatectomy offers less bleeding, small incisions and faster recovery. Suitability is decided by the council and surgeon.
Why is the “future liver remnant” important?
When the tumor is removed by surgery, enough healthy liver tissue must remain behind. If it is insufficient, the volume can be augmented with methods such as portal vein embolization.
What is AFP and why is it measured?
Alpha-fetoprotein, a blood marker used especially in HCC; it provides supportive information in diagnosis, treatment response and follow-up (it does not diagnose on its own).
I have cirrhosis/hepatitis, can I be treated?
Yes. Underlying cirrhosis and hepatitis B-C are managed as an integral part of the treatment plan; liver reserve is assessed and, in suitable cases, transplant referral is arranged.
What documents are needed for a second opinion?
Existing multiphase CT/MRI images (DICOM if possible), pathology/biopsy report, blood and liver function tests including AFP, and summaries of previous treatments.