Liver tumors can either originate from the liver itself (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC) or more frequently be a metastases origination from a cancer elsewhere in the body. Other types of liver cancer, such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma are less common.

Cause

HCC (primary liver cancer) is commonly caused by chronic alcoholism and chronic hepatitis infection (Hepatitis B and C). Other causes are cirrhosis, genetic liver diseases (like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease), diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFD), exposure to aflatoxins (poisons that can grow on bad stored crops).

Symptoms

Losing weight, less appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, general weakness and fatigue, abdominal swelling, yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice), white chalky stools.

Diagnostics

Blood tests (α-FP, liver function tests), ultrasound, CT-scan, MRI, liver biopsy.

Treatment

Surgical removal of the tumor, ablation (heating or freezing of the tumor), immunotherapy, radio or chemotherapy.

Risks of the surgery

Hematoma/bleeding, leakage or fistula, stenosis of the anastomosis, wound infection, wound dehiscence, local recurrence of the tumor, thrombosis/ Pulmonary embolism, delayed recovery, mortality (<2%).

Why chose Professor Guido Mannaerts MD PhD

He is a Netherlands board certified oncological surgeon with experience in HPB surgery.
As being an Adjunct Professor at the UAE University and a broad research background Professor Guido is aiming for state of the art surgical care using the latest techniques.
His pleasant, honest, patient-centred care and being committed to achieve the best results for you makes you feel being treated like a family expert