Liver tumors

Liver tumours are often silent in the early stages. When symptoms appear, they may include persistent upper right abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, or jaundice. Other symptoms may include abdominal swelling, a lump below the right rib cage, fatigue, nausea, or itching.

Liver tumour diagnosis begins with a clinical consultation and medical history review. Specialists recommend imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT scan, or MRI to assess tumour size and location. In selected cases, angiography may be used to evaluate liver's blood supply. Blood tests, including liver function tests (LFT) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), help assess liver function and tumour markers. When required, a liver biopsy confirms the diagnosis. These findings guide a personalised treatment plan.

Liver tumour treatment options include surgical resection, liver transplantation, tumour ablation, transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), radioembolisation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Often, a combination approach is used, with treatment plans customised based on tumour type, stage, and overall health.

At Manipal Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive multidisciplinary care from the first consultation onwards. The process begins with a detailed diagnostic evaluation and review by an oncology-hepatology team, which helps guide treatment decisions. After confirming the diagnosis and staging, doctors explain suitable treatment options based on the patient's condition.

Experienced specailists perform surgical and ablative procedures with close postoperative monitoring. Patients receiving chemotherapy or targeted therapy receive continuous support throughout every treatment cycle. Supportive care is provided to manage side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, or increased infection risk.

Post-treatment rehabilitation includes dietary guidance, physiotherapy, and psychological counselling to restore recovery and overall well-being. Emotional support for patients and families remain an integral part of care. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor liver function, assess treatment response, modify therapy if needed, prevent complications, and detect recurrence early. A dedicated nursing and support staff team ensures comfort, safety, and continuity of care throughout recovery.

With appropriate treatment and coordinated care, many patients experience improved quality of life and better long-term outcomes.