Yes — liver cancer can be curable, especially when detected at an early stage. While liver cancer is one of the more serious forms of cancer, advances in surgery, targeted therapy, and oncology care have made it possible for many patients to achieve complete remission or long-term survival. The key lies in early detection, accurate staging, and treatment by an experienced specialist.
Dr. MSS Keerthi, a leading Liver Cancer Surgeon and Best Oncosurgeon at Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Hyderabad, has treated thousands of patients with liver malignancy using advanced surgical and minimally invasive techniques. Her expertise in liver tumour removal surgery and personalised cancer care has given many patients a second chance at life.
What Is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a condition where malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the liver, one of the body’s most vital organs responsible for digestion, detoxification, and metabolism. It is medically referred to as a malignant neoplasm of the liver.
There are two main types:
- Primary Liver Cancer — Cancer that originates in the liver itself. The most common type is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), also sometimes called liver adenocarcinoma. Another type is Cholangiocarcinoma, which starts in the bile ducts within the liver.
- Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer — Cancer that has spread to the liver from another organ, such as the colon, breast, or lungs. This is actually more common than primary liver cancer in India.
Liver cancer tumors can grow silently for months or even years without causing noticeable symptoms. This is what makes it particularly dangerous and why regular screening is so important for high-risk individuals.
Is Liver Cancer Curable?
The direct answer is — yes, liver cancer can be cured in eligible patients, particularly in the early stages. Here is what you need to understand:
- Early Stage (Stage 1 and 2) — Liver cancer is most curable at this point. Surgery, ablation, or transplant can offer a complete cure in many cases.
- Intermediate Stage (Stage 3) — Cure is possible in selected patients. A combination of surgery and other treatments may be recommended.
- Advanced Stage (Stage 4) — A complete cure becomes difficult, but treatment can significantly extend life and improve quality of life.
The most important factor is when the cancer is found. Patients who seek timely medical attention and receive treatment from a skilled Top Cancer Surgeon have significantly better outcomes than those who delay.
Factors That Determine Curability of Liver Cancer:
Not every patient’s situation is the same. Several factors influence whether liver cancer can be cured:
- Stage at Diagnosis The liver staging system — from Stage 1 to Stage 4 — determines how far the cancer has spread. Earlier stages have far better cure rates.
- Size and Number of Tumours A single small liver tumor cancer is far more treatable than multiple large tumors spread across both lobes of the liver.
- Liver Function Many liver cancer patients also have underlying liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. If the remaining liver is healthy enough to function after treatment, surgical options are more viable.
- Whether Cancer Has Spread. If the malignant neoplasm of the liver has spread to lymph nodes, blood vessels, or distant organs, treatment becomes more complex.
- Patient’s Overall Health Age, fitness level, and other existing health conditions play a significant role in deciding which liver cancer treatment is suitable.
- Response to Treatment Some liver tumors cancer respond very well to targeted therapy or immunotherapy, even in advanced stages, making long-term control possible.
Treatment Options for Liver Cancer at Hills Gastro & Onco Care:
At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Dr. MSS Keerthi offers a comprehensive and personalised approach to liver tumor cancer treatment. Treatment is selected based on the stage, liver function, and overall health of the patient.
Surgical Options:
- Liver Resection — Surgical removal of the part of the liver containing the tumour. Most effective for early-stage cancer with good liver function.
- Liver Tumour Removal Surgery — Minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery to remove liver tumors with precision and faster recovery.
- Liver Transplant — For eligible patients where the entire liver is affected, a transplant can offer a complete cure.
- Surgical Staging & Exploration — In certain complex cases, surgery is performed to accurately assess the extent of liver cancer spread and plan the most effective treatment approach.
- Debulking Surgery — Used in selected advanced cases to reduce the overall tumour burden in the liver, making other treatments like targeted therapy or immunotherapy more effective.
Non-Surgical Options:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) — Heat energy is used to destroy small liver tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
- Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) — Chemotherapy is delivered directly to the tumour through blood vessels, cutting off its blood supply.
- Targeted Therapy — Medicines like Sorafenib target specific proteins that help cancer cells grow.
- Immunotherapy — Helps the body’s immune system identify and fight cancer liver disease more effectively.
- Radiation Therapy — Used in selected cases to shrink tumours or manage symptoms.
Every patient at Hills Gastro & Onco Care receives a treatment plan tailored specifically to their condition — because no two cases of liver malignancy are the same.
Can Liver Cancer Be Cured With Surgery?
Yes — surgery is currently the best chance for a complete liver cancer cure. Here is when surgery is considered:
- The tumour is confined to one part of the liver
- The remaining liver tissue is healthy and functional
- Cancer has not spread to blood vessels or distant organs
- The patient is fit enough to undergo surgery
Liver resection and liver tumour removal surgery, when performed by an experienced Liver Cancer Surgeon, can result in complete removal of the cancer with excellent long-term outcomes. Robotic and laparoscopic techniques used at Hills Gastro & Onco Care offer patients less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
What Happens If Liver Cancer Is Detected Late?
Late detection of liver cancer — at Stage 3 or Stage 4 — makes treatment significantly more challenging. Here is what patients may face:
- Tumours may have grown into major blood vessels, making surgical removal difficult or impossible.
- Cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
- Underlying liver disease may limit treatment options.
- The focus of treatment may shift from cure to palliative care — controlling symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining quality of life.
However, even in advanced stages, treatment is never without hope. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy options have extended survival for many patients with advanced cancer liver disease. This is why it is always worth consulting a specialist, regardless of the stage.
Liver Cancer Survival Rate by Age:
Survival rates give an overall picture based on large populations. They do not predict individual outcomes, but they help patients and families
When to See a Liver Cancer Surgeon in Hyderabad?
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. See a specialist immediately if you notice:
- Unexplained weight loss over a short period
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (Jaundice)
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting without a clear cause
- A known history of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or liver cirrhosis
A liver tumour test — including blood tests (AFP tumour marker), ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI — can help confirm the diagnosis quickly. Early evaluation is the single most important step you can take.
If you are in Hyderabad and concerned about liver cancer symptoms or have been recently diagnosed, consult Dr. MSS Keerthi at Hills Gastro & Onco Care for expert evaluation, advanced liver cancer treatment, and compassionate care.
Conclusion:
Liver cancer is serious — but it is not without hope. With early detection, accurate liver staging, and the right treatment, many patients achieve a complete cure or long-term remission. The most important thing you can do today is not ignore the warning signs and seek expert medical opinion without delay.
Whether you need a liver tumour test, a second opinion, or advanced liver tumour removal surgery, Hills Gastro & Onco Care in Hyderabad is equipped to provide world-class cancer care under one roof. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards recovery.
