This report expounds on the theoretical origin, anatomical basis, and scientific connotations of "liver governs growth", the definition of precancerous changes in the liver and the core mechanism of malignant transformation, as well as the key pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine based on the theory that the "liver governs growth". It also summarizes part of the authors' research achievements in intervening in a malignant transformation during precancerous changes in the liver through traditional Chinese medicine. We hope that this paper can provide insights and methods for further exploration in this area.