Can patients with liver cirrhosis and liver cancer undergo surgery?

Sep 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, whether a patient with cirrhosis and liver cancer is eligible for surgery must be determined through a comprehensive evaluation based on the individual's specific medical condition. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended so that a specialist can perform a thorough assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan. An experienced medical team should be selected for evaluation and treatment to ensure an individualized approach. During treatment, it is essential to strictly follow the doctor's instructions.

Generally, whether a patient with cirrhosis can undergo surgery upon developing liver cancer must be determined through a comprehensive evaluation based on the individual's specific medical condition. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended so that a professional physician can conduct a thorough examination and develop a personalized treatment plan. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the cirrhotic patient’s liver function is still in the compensated stage, without severe complications, and if the liver tumor is small and has not metastasized, with normal functions of other major organs, surgical treatment may be considered after a comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team. Surgery allows direct removal of the tumor lesion, creating favorable conditions for controlling disease progression. However, adequate preoperative preparation is essential, along with close monitoring of liver function changes.

If the patient has advanced cirrhosis with decompensated liver function, presenting complications such as ascites or hepatic encephalopathy, or if the liver tumor is large and has already spread to distant sites, or if there are severe diseases affecting other organs, the surgical risks significantly increase, and surgery is generally not recommended. In such cases, milder treatment approaches should be chosen, focusing primarily on alleviating suffering and prolonging survival.

During evaluation and treatment, it is crucial to seek an experienced medical team to establish an individualized treatment plan. Patients must strictly follow medical advice, undergo regular follow-up tests including liver function, tumor markers, and imaging studies, promptly adjust treatment strategies as needed, and emphasize nutritional support and daily care to avoid further burdening the liver.

View All

Does intrahepatic bile duct stones without removal have an impact on the human body?

In general, intrahepatic bile duct stones that are not removed may have an impact on the body, with the extent depending on the size, number, location of the stones and whether complications arise. Small asymptomatic stones usually have a minor effect; however, if the stones persist or progress, they may lead to recurrent infections, liver function impairment, and even cirrhosis. Long-term risks should be carefully monitored.

View Full Answer

Can people with cirrhosis drink milk powder?

Patients with cirrhosis can consume milk powder, but the type of milk powder should be selected according to the stage of their condition, and intake should be controlled. Milk powder can serve as a good source of high-quality protein and calcium, supporting nutritional needs; however, care must be taken to avoid increasing the burden on the liver. It is recommended to choose the type and amount of milk powder under the guidance of a physician or clinical nutritionist, based on liver function indicators such as albumin and blood ammonia levels.

View Full Answer

Can cirrhosis be detected by ultrasound?

In general, liver cirrhosis can be diagnosed through ultrasound examination, but whether a definitive diagnosis can be made depends on the specific circumstances. In daily life, individuals with high-risk factors for liver disease should undergo regular ultrasound examinations to monitor changes in liver morphology. If abnormalities are detected on ultrasound, timely medical consultation is necessary, and further tests should be completed according to the doctor's recommendations.

View Full Answer

Can liver cancer cause cirrhosis?

In general, whether liver cancer causes cirrhosis depends on the specific medical condition. In most cases, liver cancer itself does not directly cause cirrhosis; however, certain types of liver cancer that share common causative factors with cirrhosis or damage liver structure may be associated with cirrhosis. To prevent both liver cancer and cirrhosis, it is important to avoid long-term alcohol consumption, staying up late, and other liver-damaging behaviors in daily life, and to undergo regular liver examinations.