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The liver is one of the major organs in the body. It is involved in many processes of the body to keep a person healthy. The liver is made up of many different cell types but the 2 main ones are liver cells (hepatocytes) and cells lining the bile ducts (cholangiocytes). The cells in the liver can undergo changes to form cancer. Most primary liver cancers begin in the hepatocytes. Liver cancer is the 3rd most common cancer affecting men in Singapore. |
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Risk Factors
1. A family history of liver cancer
2. Past diagnosis of other liver diseases such as Liver Cirrhosis, Hepatitis B or
Hepatitis C
3. Regular or frequent consumption of alcohol
Even relatively small amount can be harmful, if taken frequently, especially in the
female sex
4. Frequent exposure to chemicals such as nitrites, hydrocarbons, solvents, vinyl
chloride which are known cancer-causing agents
5. Frequent consumption of spoilt/mouldy nuts
Mouldy nuts contain aflatoxins which are cancer-causing agents produced by
a fungus
Signs & Symptoms
1. Loss of appetite
2. Loss of weight
3. Feeling of fullness
4. Generalised tiredness
5. Swelling of the abdominal area
6. Jaundice - yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes
7. Dark urine
8. Persistent or swinging fever
These signs usually do not show up until the later stages.
These symptoms may be caused by a number of problems and may not indicate the presence of cancer, but if any of the above symptoms persists or is bothering you, do consult your doctor for advice. |
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Screening |
Consultation |
Treatment |
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Routine liver cancer screening is usually performed on patients who have chronic liver disease, especially Hepatitis B patients.
Please refer to section 11 for liver cancer screening guidelines. |
You can seek consultation at the following institutions:
§National Cancer Centre
§Changi General Hospital
§Singapore GeneralHospital |
Treatment options for liver cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. |
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