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Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the liver and can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. The most common types include hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The disease is closely associated with factors such as viral hepatitis infection, liver cirrhosis, and aflatoxin exposure. Early-stage liver cancer often presents with no obvious symptoms, while advanced stages may manifest as pain in the liver region, weight loss, fatigue, and general weakness.
1. Hepatocellular carcinoma
Accounts for approximately 85%–90% of cases and originates from hepatocytes. It is the most common type of liver cancer in China.
2. Cholangiocarcinoma
Represents about 5% of cases and arises from the epithelial cells of the intrahepatic bile ducts.
3. Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma
A mixed form containing components of both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
4. China Liver Cancer Staging System (CNLC)
This system divides liver cancer into seven stages and serves as a key reference for guiding clinical treatment strategies.
1. Viral hepatitis
Infection with HBV or HCV is the most important etiological factor, with hepatitis B being the predominant cause in China.
2. Liver cirrhosis
Cirrhosis resulting from various causes is considered a major precancerous condition for liver cancer.
3. Aflatoxin exposure
Consumption of foods contaminated with aflatoxin-producing fungi, such as moldy corn or peanuts, significantly increases the risk.
4. Alcoholic liver disease
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to progressive liver damage and eventually liver cancer.
5. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Closely associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity and diabetes.
6. Genetic factors
A family history of liver cancer significantly increases individual susceptibility.
1. Vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against liver cancer. Universal vaccination is recommended for newborns and high-risk populations.
2. Antiviral therapy
Standardized treatment for chronic hepatitis B or C can slow the progression of liver disease and reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
3. Regular screening
High-risk individuals should undergo liver ultrasound and AFP testing every six months to enable early detection and timely treatment.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, refrain from eating mold-contaminated food, maintain a healthy body weight, and follow a balanced diet.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that the prevention and control of liver cancer should focus on preventing viral hepatitis infection and conducting regular screening. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial. Based on staging, individualized treatment strategies may include surgery, ablation, interventional therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment approach can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and patients’ quality of life.
Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the liver and can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. The most common types include hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The disease is closely associated with factors such as viral hepatitis infection, liver cirrhosis, and aflatoxin exposure. Early-stage liver cancer often presents with no obvious symptoms, while advanced stages may manifest as pain in the liver region, weight loss, fatigue, and general weakness.
1. Hepatocellular carcinoma
Accounts for approximately 85%–90% of cases and originates from hepatocytes. It is the most common type of liver cancer in China.
2. Cholangiocarcinoma
Represents about 5% of cases and arises from the epithelial cells of the intrahepatic bile ducts.
3. Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma
A mixed form containing components of both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
4. China Liver Cancer Staging System (CNLC)
This system divides liver cancer into seven stages and serves as a key reference for guiding clinical treatment strategies.
1. Viral hepatitis
Infection with HBV or HCV is the most important etiological factor, with hepatitis B being the predominant cause in China.
2. Liver cirrhosis
Cirrhosis resulting from various causes is considered a major precancerous condition for liver cancer.
3. Aflatoxin exposure
Consumption of foods contaminated with aflatoxin-producing fungi, such as moldy corn or peanuts, significantly increases the risk.
4. Alcoholic liver disease
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to progressive liver damage and eventually liver cancer.
5. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Closely associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity and diabetes.
6. Genetic factors
A family history of liver cancer significantly increases individual susceptibility.
1. Vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against liver cancer. Universal vaccination is recommended for newborns and high-risk populations.
2. Antiviral therapy
Standardized treatment for chronic hepatitis B or C can slow the progression of liver disease and reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
3. Regular screening
High-risk individuals should undergo liver ultrasound and AFP testing every six months to enable early detection and timely treatment.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, refrain from eating mold-contaminated food, maintain a healthy body weight, and follow a balanced diet.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that the prevention and control of liver cancer should focus on preventing viral hepatitis infection and conducting regular screening. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial. Based on staging, individualized treatment strategies may include surgery, ablation, interventional therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment approach can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and patients’ quality of life.