Liver cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and its prevalence is rising globally, including in the UAE. With risk factors like chronic hepatitis infections, fatty liver disease, alcohol use, and increasing rates of obesity, the burden of liver cancer is growing—especially in urban populations. Nowadays, patients often explore a mix of conventional and complementary therapies. Knowing the early signs and treatment options available is crucial for managing the disease and improving quality of life.

Symptom of Liver Cancer

Identifying the disease early can make a significant difference. Unfortunately, the symptoms of liver cancer often coincide with those of other diseases and the reason behind them.

Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Here are some frequently reported symptoms of liver cancer:

Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side
Nausea or vomiting
General fatigue and weakness
Enlarged liver or noticeable mass under the right ribs
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

These signs usually show up once the cancer has progressed, which is why regular checkups and imaging are important for high-risk individuals.

Uncommon Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Some symptoms are less obvious and often go unnoticed:

Itching (pruritus): Caused by bile buildup due to liver dysfunction
Fever with no apparent cause
Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men): Related to hormone imbalance
Red palms (palmar erythema)
Confusion or cognitive changes: Especially in advanced cases (hepatic encephalopathy)

Recognising these lesser-known symptoms can prompt earlier investigation, particularly among individuals already dealing with liver disease or hepatitis B or C infections.

Liver Cancer Treatment Options in Dubai

Dubai offers an advanced medical infrastructure with world-class hospitals and oncology centres. Here are the primary treatment options available:

1. Surgery

Liver Resection (Hepatectomy): Removal of the tumour along with a portion of the liver. Suitable for patients with good liver function and localized cancer.
Liver Transplant: Ideal for certain cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is a viable option in Dubai’s top hospitals, especially for patients meeting the Milan criteria.

2. Localised Treatments

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to destroy cancer cells. Best for small tumours.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): A minimally invasive method that delivers chemotherapy directly into the tumour’s blood supply.
Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE): Similar to TACE but uses radioactive beads.

These treatments are widely used for patients who are not surgical candidates.

3. Systemic Therapy

Targeted Therapy: Drugs that block the growth of cancer cells by targeting specific molecules are used.
Immunotherapy: Drugs and supplements that empower the immune system to fight against cancer.
Chemotherapy: Less effective for liver cancer, but still used in certain advanced cases.

Role of Ayurveda and Herbal Formulations in Liver Cancer Care

Complementary medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine for liver health, is gaining popularity nowadays owing to more and more people becoming aware of traditional schools of medicine.

1. Liver-Supportive Herbs

Some herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda have proven that they can be helpful in liver:

Kutki: Acts as a hepatoprotective agent and detoxifier
Kalmegh: Known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties
Guduchi: Strengthens immunity and supports liver regeneration

These herbs can be part of a supportive care regimen. In Dubai, Ayurvedic clinics licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) can create safe, personalised protocols under professional supervision.

2. Diet and Detox

Ayurveda emphasises digestive health and detoxification. Personalised dietary recommendations aim to reduce liver burden, often focusing on:

Warm, cooked meals with bitter and astringent tastes
Avoidance of processed foods, and excessive oils
Inclusion of herbal teas and liver-supportive formulations.

Integrated Care: Modern Meets Traditional

The best approach for liver cancer treatment may be a combination of conventional medicine and complementary therapies for cancer. DHA encourages integrative care, allowing patients to access ayurvedic and herbal formulations alongside their oncology treatments.

Patients should consult their oncologist and a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure that herbal supplements do not interfere with their current medications. Body Revival has emerged as a notable herbal formulation that is gaining recognition among integrative practitioners and patients alike. It is a herbal formulation designed to support the immune system, aid detoxification, and enhance cellular health. Body Revival’s role as a complementary therapy in cancer lies in supporting the body’s resilience during and after conventional treatment.

Final Thoughts

Liver cancer treatment is evolving rapidly with advanced medical technologies and early detection programs. Complementary approaches like Ayurveda can enhance patient resilience, support liver function, and improve quality of life.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms of liver cancer, early medical evaluation is important. Combining timely medical care with supportive therapies can make a meaningful difference in the fight against liver cancer.