After treatment is over, all liver cancer patients need to have regular follow-ups. This is a very misconception that many patients feel that they are done with their disease after treatment, so what is the point of always going to the hospital. In fact, regular follow-up after treatment is a very important part of the treatment of liver cancer patients, which can identify problems in the previous treatment and early detection of recurrence and metastasis of liver cancer, which also helps to achieve “early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment.
The frequency of follow-up visits and tests depend on the stage of the liver cancer, the treatment received, and the patient’s general condition (e.g., presence of hepatitis). In general, the 2 years after surgery is the peak recurrence period for liver cancer. Therefore, patients need to be followed up every 3-6 months for the first 2 years after the end of treatment; every 6 months for 2-5 years after surgery; and extended to once a year thereafter, with regular follow-ups to help detect recurrence and treatment complications in a timely manner.
The focus of follow-up is to check for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis to other sites, and to assess delayed physical and psychological adverse effects, so physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging tests are usually performed. It is especially important to note that some liver cancer patients develop from viral hepatitis, so viral monitoring and antiviral treatment will be performed according to the patient’s viral replication status. And patients who have undergone liver transplantation are followed up more frequently than the average patient.
In addition, physicians provide lifestyle advice based on the patient’s comorbidities and general health status. Regular follow-up can help identify recurrent metastases for early intervention, improve risk factors for recurrence of liver cancer, improve treatment-related adverse effects, and help patients with liver cancer achieve a healthier lifestyle and a better sense of control over themselves.
