Question 1

What is Liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in liver cells, often resulting from chronic liver damage. It is primarily caused by chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, which trigger inflammation and scarring that can lead to cancerous cell growth over decades. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important screening test for identifying viral hepatitis infections that significantly increase liver cancer risk.

Question 2

What causes liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Liver cancer is caused primarily by chronic viral infections, specifically Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which account for the majority of cases worldwide. These viruses cause ongoing inflammation and damage to liver cells over many years, leading to cirrhosis and eventually cancerous changes. Other significant causes include chronic alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), exposure to aflatoxins (toxins from moldy grains), and inherited metabolic liver diseases like hemochromatosis.

Question 3

What is the best test for liver cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important screening test for liver cancer risk because it detects Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections, which are the leading preventable risk factors for developing liver cancer. This comprehensive panel identifies active viral hepatitis infections that require treatment and ongoing monitoring. For individuals with known Hepatitis B infection, the Hepatitis Be Antigen test is essential for monitoring viral activity, as persistent HBeAg presence indicates high viral replication and significantly elevated cancer risk. While these blood tests do not diagnose liver cancer itself, they identify the underlying infections that dramatically increase your likelihood of developing liver cancer over time, allowing for early intervention and regular surveillance.

Question 4

When should I get tested for liver cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have any risk factors for chronic liver disease, including a history of heavy alcohol use, unexplained fatigue or weakness, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), abdominal pain or swelling, or unintentional weight loss. Testing is especially important if you were born in regions with high hepatitis rates (Asia, Africa, parts of South America), received blood transfusions before 1992, have ever injected drugs, or have a family history of liver cancer or hepatitis. People with diabetes, obesity, or fatty liver disease should also consider screening, as these conditions increase liver cancer risk over time.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Liver cancer often develops silently without early symptoms, which is why risk screening is so critical. When symptoms do appear, they typically include persistent upper abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, feeling full after eating small amounts, nausea or vomiting, and severe fatigue. Advanced liver cancer may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal swelling from fluid accumulation (ascites), itchy skin, dark urine, pale stools, and an enlarged liver or spleen you can feel under your ribs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infections face the highest risk, as these viruses directly damage liver cells over decades. Heavy alcohol drinkers who develop cirrhosis, individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease related to obesity or diabetes, and those with inherited liver diseases like hemochromatosis or Wilson disease also have elevated risk. Additional risk factors include exposure to aflatoxins from contaminated grains, anabolic steroid use, smoking, and being male, as men develop liver cancer two to three times more often than women.

Question 7

What happens if liver cancer risk factors are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic Hepatitis B or C infections progressively damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis (severe scarring) that significantly increases cancer risk, with up to 5% of people with cirrhosis developing liver cancer each year. Once liver cancer develops, it often grows quickly and can spread to other organs, with symptoms appearing only in later stages when treatment options become limited. Without treatment, advanced liver cancer typically leads to liver failure, where the liver can no longer perform essential functions like filtering toxins, producing clotting factors, and processing nutrients, ultimately becoming life-threatening within months.

Question 8

Can liver cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly diagnose liver cancer, but they play a crucial role in identifying risk factors and monitoring liver health. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test can suggest possible liver cancer when levels are elevated, though imaging studies like ultrasound, CT, or MRI are required for actual diagnosis. Blood tests for Hepatitis B and C are essential for screening high-risk individuals, as chronic viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. Liver function tests can reveal abnormalities that prompt further investigation, though definitive diagnosis requires imaging and often a tissue biopsy.

Question 9

How is liver cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the cancer stage, liver function, and overall health. Early-stage liver cancer may be treated with surgical removal of the tumor, liver transplantation, or ablation techniques that destroy cancer cells using heat, cold, or alcohol. For intermediate-stage cancer, doctors use transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor while blocking its blood supply. Advanced liver cancer is treated with targeted therapy drugs like sorafenib or immunotherapy medications that help the immune system fight cancer cells. Treating underlying causes like Hepatitis B or C with antiviral medications can prevent further liver damage and reduce cancer risk.

Question 10

How can I prevent liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on eliminating or managing risk factors. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B if you have not already, and get tested for Hepatitis C so it can be treated and cured with modern antiviral medications. Limit alcohol consumption to reduce cirrhosis risk, maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to prevent fatty liver disease, and avoid smoking. If you have diabetes or metabolic syndrome, work with your doctor to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Practice safe behaviors to avoid hepatitis transmission, including not sharing needles and using protection during sex with new partners.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support liver health?

Accepted Answer

Support your liver by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. Drink coffee regularly, as studies show coffee consumption reduces liver cancer risk in people with chronic liver disease. Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Avoid excessive alcohol, do not share personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might transmit hepatitis, and stay hydrated with plenty of water. If you take medications or supplements, be mindful of potential liver stress and discuss with your doctor, as some substances can damage the liver over time.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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 & Risk Screening

What is Liver cancer?

What causes liver cancer?

What is the best test for liver cancer risk?

When should I get tested for liver cancer risk?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI