Liver cancer (tumor)

About Liver cancer (tumor)

A cancerous growth of cells that can destroy the liver and damage surrounding organs. Liver cancer can arise from liver cells (primary liver cancer) or by spreading from a distant cancer (metastasis). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer and it is most frequently develops in patients with liver damage from the liver infections, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The liver is located in the right upper abdomen and is essential for clearing toxins from the blood and for breaking down nutrients and other chemicals in the blood. If the liver fails death occurs soon after.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain or tenderness, particularly in the right-upper abdomen, enlarged abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes), itching, confusion.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging (such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI), a liver biopsy, and blood tests may be recommended to identify the cancer and the severity of the disease.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound.

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy depends on the type of liver cancer and its extent. Surgery or liver transplantation may be successful in treating small or slow-growing tumors if they are diagnosed early. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are not usually effective but may be given before surgery to increase the chance of complete removal. In some cases, liver transplant, a medication called sorafenib (which interferes with liver cancer growth and can prolong survival), and/or medications for pain may be recommended. For more information contact the American Cancer Society: (800)227-2345

Medical specialties

Gastroenterology · Hematology and Oncology · Vascular and Interventional Radiology · Pediatric Gastroenterology · Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Liver cancer (tumor).