What causes hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma is caused by chronic viral infections like hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which damage liver cells over decades. Long-term alcohol abuse leading to cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and exposure to aflatoxin toxins also trigger liver cancer development. These factors cause repeated injury and inflammation that eventually transforms healthy liver cells into cancerous ones.

What is the best test for hepatocellular carcinoma?

The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Tumor Marker is the most important blood test for hepatocellular carcinoma because it detects elevated levels of this protein produced by liver cancer cells. AFP levels above 400 ng/mL strongly suggest liver cancer, especially in high-risk patients. The Hep B Core Antibody IgM test is essential for identifying chronic hepatitis B infection, which significantly increases liver cancer risk and helps determine who needs regular AFP screening for early detection.

When should I get tested for hepatocellular carcinoma?

You should get tested if you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis from any cause, or a family history of liver cancer. Get screened every 6 months if you have risk factors like heavy alcohol use for years, fatty liver disease, or unexplained weight loss with upper abdominal pain. Testing is urgent if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, sudden abdominal swelling, or feel a hard mass under your right rib cage.

What are the symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma often causes no symptoms in early stages, which makes screening crucial for high-risk individuals. As the tumor grows, you might notice unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain or fullness, jaundice with yellow skin and eyes, abdominal swelling from fluid buildup, nausea, and extreme fatigue. Advanced disease can cause confusion from liver failure and easy bruising or bleeding.

Who is at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma?

People with chronic hepatitis B or C infections face the highest risk, especially if the infection has lasted for decades. Those with cirrhosis from any cause including alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, or autoimmune hepatitis are at elevated risk. Men over 60, people with diabetes, those exposed to aflatoxin in contaminated foods, and individuals with a family history of liver cancer also have increased susceptibility.

What happens if hepatocellular carcinoma is left untreated?

Untreated hepatocellular carcinoma grows and spreads rapidly, causing liver failure that prevents the organ from filtering toxins, producing proteins, and controlling bleeding. The cancer metastasizes to lungs, bones, and brain, causing severe pain and organ dysfunction throughout the body. Without treatment, survival is typically measured in months, with progressive weakness, confusion, internal bleeding, and eventual death from liver failure or widespread cancer.

Can hepatocellular carcinoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests like the AFP tumor marker help screen for hepatocellular carcinoma and monitor treatment response, but they cannot definitively diagnose the cancer alone. Elevated AFP levels strongly suggest liver cancer, especially in high-risk patients, but imaging studies like CT or MRI scans and liver biopsy are needed for confirmation. Blood tests for hepatitis B and C help identify who needs regular surveillance, making them essential tools in the early detection strategy.

How is hepatocellular carcinoma treated?

Treatment depends on tumor size, number of tumors, liver function, and overall health. Small, early-stage tumors can be removed surgically or destroyed using ablation techniques that burn or freeze cancer cells. Liver transplantation offers the best long-term survival for eligible patients with limited disease. Advanced cases are treated with targeted therapy drugs like sorafenib, immunotherapy, or chemoembolization that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor through blood vessels.

How can I prevent hepatocellular carcinoma?

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and avoid behaviors that spread hepatitis C, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex with multiple partners. Limit alcohol consumption to prevent cirrhosis, maintain a healthy weight to avoid fatty liver disease, and treat chronic liver conditions promptly. If you have chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, undergo regular screening with AFP blood tests and liver ultrasounds every 6 months for early detection when treatment is most effective.

What can I do at home for hepatocellular carcinoma?

While hepatocellular carcinoma requires medical treatment, you can support liver health by completely avoiding alcohol, eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight. Take prescribed antiviral medications consistently if you have hepatitis B or C, and avoid supplements or herbal remedies that can further damage your liver. Stay physically active as tolerated, manage diabetes and blood pressure carefully, and attend all medical appointments for monitoring and treatment adjustments.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Liver Cancer Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Liver Cancer Blood Test

What is Hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer that develops in hepatocytes, the main cells of the liver. It is caused by chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, cirrhosis from alcohol abuse, or fatty liver disease that damages liver cells over time. The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Tumor Marker is the most important test for screening and monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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