Liver Cancer Treatment in Shanghai
Shanghai's liver surgery and liver transplant programs are among the most experienced in the world. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) — often linked to hepatitis B — receive individualized combinations of resection, ablation, TACE, transplantation and systemic therapy, guided by multidisciplinary review.
Common Symptoms
- Right upper abdominal pain or a palpable mass
- Jaundice: yellowing of skin and eyes
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Worsening of pre-existing chronic liver disease
Treatment Options in Shanghai
- Anatomic hepatectomy for resectable tumors (open, laparoscopic, robotic)
- Liver transplantation for eligible patients (Living-donor and DCD programs)
- TACE / TARE (Y-90) interventional oncology
- Radiofrequency / microwave ablation (RFA/MWA) for small lesions
- Atezolizumab-bevacizumab and other target-immuno combinations
Why Choose Shanghai
- Leading liver centers: Zhongshan Hospital (Qiu Fazu Liver Surgery Center), Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Renji
- One of the world's largest liver transplant programs with proven outcomes
- Interventional oncology (TACE/ablation) performed by dedicated IR teams
- Cirrhosis and hepatitis management integrated into oncology planning
- Cost advantage of 50-70% versus Western private care
Treatment Cost in Shanghai
Resection and ablation packages in Shanghai range from ¥60,000–200,000 (≈$8,500–28,000); liver transplantation is quoted individually after a full workup. Systemic therapy costs are shared transparently at hospital pharmacy prices.
Partner Hospitals
- Zhongshan Hospital (Liver Surgery Center)
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital
- Renji Hospital
- Huashan Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a liver transplant in Shanghai if I need one?
Shanghai runs one of the largest liver transplant programs in the world. Eligibility is decided by a specialist team after a complete cardiac, oncologic and liver-function evaluation.
Is ablation as effective as surgery for small HCC?
For solitary tumors ≤3 cm, thermal ablation offers comparable local control with a much shorter recovery, and is often preferred for patients with limited liver reserve.
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