Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This cancer often occurs in individuals with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or C infections, as well as other conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholism. With the rising prevalence of HCC, it is important to understand the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options.

Symptoms In the early stages, HCC often does not present symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Pain in the upper right abdomen

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal swelling

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Causes There are many causes of liver cancer, and some are still under research, but factors that increase the risk include:

• Hepatitis B virus

• Cirrhosis

• Hepatitis C

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

• Long-term exposure to environmental hazards and certain pollutants (such as inhaling PVC used in plastic manufacturing factories)

Diagnosis HCC is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests. Common tests include:

• Ultrasound: Used to detect the presence of tumors in the liver.

• CT scan or MRI: Provides a clearer picture of the size and location of the tumor.

• Blood tests: To evaluate liver function and look for tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and PIVKA-II. PIVKA-II appears as a promising biomarker in liver cancer (HCC) diagnosis. Using a combination of PIVKA-II and AFP has shown better results in diagnosing HCC compared to using AFP alone.

Author: Dr. Kemas Yakub Rahadiyanto, Sp.PK, M.Kes (Doctor at PJ Pramita Ahmad Dahlan – Palembang)