What Is HCC?

Primary liver cancer arising from hepatocytes, often in cirrhotic livers.

Why Do I Need Evaluation/Treatment?

You may have elevated AFP, liver lesions on imaging, or chronic liver disease.

How Should I Prepare?

  • Imaging: Multiphasic CT/MRI; fast 4–6 hours for CT.
  • Laboratory: AFP, liver panel, coagulation.

What Happens During Treatment?

  • Resection: Partial hepatectomy if tumor is solitary and liver function preserved.
  • Ablation: Radiofrequency or microwave ablation for small lesions (<3 cm).
  • Transplant: For early tumors meeting Milan criteria.
  • TACE/Targeted Therapy: For unresectable HCC.

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

  • Hospital stay 5–7 days after surgery; 1–2 days for ablation.
  • Gradual diet advancement.

Risks & Possible Complications

  • Bleeding (5–10%)
  • Liver failure in compromised liver (variable)

Follow-Up

  • Imaging every 3–6 months.
  • AFP levels and liver-function tests.