What Is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is one of the most common and serious cancers worldwide, and China bears one of the highest global burdens of this disease. The two main types are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which originates in liver cells, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which arises from the bile ducts within the liver. Shanghai's top hospitals — particularly Zhongshan Hospital — are internationally recognized centers of excellence for liver cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms
Liver cancer often presents with few or no symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening is critical. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Upper abdominal pain or swelling
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
- Pale, chalky stools or dark urine
Causes & Risk Factors
The majority of liver cancer cases are linked to underlying liver disease. Key risk factors include:
- Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection — the leading cause in Asia
- Liver cirrhosis — from any cause including alcohol, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune hepatitis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — increasingly common globally
- Aflatoxin exposure — a mold toxin found in certain foods
- Family history of liver cancer
- Diabetes and obesity
Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment success. At Shanghai's leading hospitals, the diagnostic workup typically includes:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test — a key tumor marker for HCC
- Ultrasound — first-line imaging for liver screening
- Contrast-enhanced MRI or CT scan — for detailed tumor characterization
- Liver biopsy — when imaging findings are inconclusive
- Hepatic angiography — to map blood supply before surgery or TACE
- Genetic and molecular profiling — to guide targeted therapy selection
Treatment Options
Shanghai's hepatobiliary surgery teams offer the full spectrum of evidence-based treatments, including cutting-edge options not widely available elsewhere:
- Surgical resection — the gold standard for localized tumors; Zhongshan Hospital performs one of the highest volumes of liver resections globally
- Liver transplantation — for patients meeting Milan or expanded criteria; Shanghai has dedicated transplant programs with strong outcomes
- Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) — delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor via the hepatic artery, cutting off its blood supply
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) / Microwave ablation — minimally invasive thermal destruction of small tumors
- Targeted therapy — Sorafenib, Lenvatinib, and Regorafenib for advanced HCC
- Immunotherapy — Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab combination, now a first-line standard for advanced HCC
- Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) — precise radiation for tumors not amenable to surgery or ablation
Why Treat Liver Cancer in Shanghai?
Shanghai is home to some of the world's most experienced liver cancer specialists. Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, led by Professor Fan Jia, is a global benchmark for surgical volume and outcomes. Patients benefit from:
- Multidisciplinary tumor boards with hepatologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists
- Access to clinical trials and novel therapies not yet available in Western markets
- Significantly lower treatment costs compared to the US, UK, or Australia — often 60–80% less
- Shorter waiting times for surgery and procedures
- World-class nursing care and post-operative support
Our Specialist
Professor Fan Jia (樊嘉) — Chief of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Professor Fan is one of China's most decorated hepatobiliary surgeons, with expertise in complex liver resections, living-donor liver transplantation, and laparoscopic hepatectomy. He has led landmark research on HCC recurrence prevention and molecular subtypes.
How CMCS Can Help
China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) coordinates every aspect of your liver cancer care journey in Shanghai — from initial consultation and medical record review to specialist appointment booking, hospital admission, translation, and post-treatment follow-up. We work with Zhongshan Hospital and other leading centers to ensure you receive the right care from the right specialist, without the stress of navigating an unfamiliar system.
0 条评论