How to correctly judge the onset of liver cancer? What tumor markers are checked for liver cancer?

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. The liver can help the body purify blood, digest food and store sugars to provide energy. Generally, liver cells will stop working only after their lifespan is exhausted or they are severely damaged. After these liver cells die, new liver cells will replace the dead cells to ensure normal liver function. If the liver becomes abnormal due to the interference of certain factors, the growth and metabolism of liver cells will become uncontrolled, cancer cells will replace normal cells, and the body's functions will be damaged. So, regarding the judgment of the onset of liver cancer and the examination of tumor markers and other related issues, we invited Li Zhiwei, chief physician of Dongguan Kanghua Hospital, to answer our questions.

How to correctly diagnose the incidence of liver cancer?

Liver cancer can be diagnosed through laboratory tests and imaging tests. The imaging is routinely performed by B-ultrasound examination of the liver, and CT or MRI can be further performed to complete the examination. Laboratory tests mainly check for tumor markers of liver cancer, and the commonly used screening is alpha-fetoprotein. In China, attention should be paid to the screening of hepatitis B and hepatitis C, because there are many people infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C in China. If hepatitis B and hepatitis C are not discovered in time, they can develop into cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

Which tumor markers are checked for liver cancer?

Tumor markers for liver cancer examination include the widely used alpha-fetoprotein AFp, as well as markers related to the bile duct, such as CA199, or the gastrointestinal tumor marker CEA. Because liver cancer mainly includes hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, if the screening alpha-fetoprotein is abnormal, CA199 or CEA is generally required. For people who are carriers of hepatitis B virus or are positive, it is recommended to have alpha-fetoprotein and liver B-ultrasound examinations at least every six months.

Patients with early liver cancer may not notice any abnormalities. As the disease progresses, they will experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, pain in the right upper abdomen or right shoulder and back, abdominal swelling, and weight loss. Doctors can make a clear diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and related laboratory and imaging tests. The treatment and prognosis of liver cancer depend on factors such as the patient's age, physical condition, tumor stage, and personal wishes. The treatment effect is generally limited.