Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that forms from cells that make up the liver. Since the liver is made up of several different types of cells, multiple types of tumors can grow in the organ. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer in adults.

Liver cancer is often called a “silent disease.” Patients often do not experience symptoms until the cancer is in its later stages, so it is seldom found early. As the cancer grows, some patients may experience symptoms such as pain in the right upper abdomen through the back and shoulder, bloating, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice. Other liver diseases and health problems may also cause these symptoms, but anyone experiencing symptoms such as these should see a physician.

There are no screening tests for liver cancer, and smaller tumors are difficult to detect during physical exams. Many patients develop liver cancer after living with cirrhosis for an extended period of time.

Some diagnostic tests for liver cancer may include ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, angiography, biopsy, and/or laparoscopy.

Both the size of the tumor and whether the patient suffers from cirrhosis are factors in selecting a treatment for liver cancer. People without cirrhosis may undergo surgery to remove the tumor or may be administered treatments that destroy the tumor non-surgically, such as injecting them with alcohol or using radiofrequency ablation to heat them to high temperatures. Most doctors suggest a liver transplant if the patient has cirrhosis or if a very large tumor is present.

An Introduction to the AFP Test in Liver Cancer

For people with liver cancer, there is a growing interest in the AFT test and what a change in AFP levels may mean. To learn more about the AFP Test in liver cancer, click here.

An Introduction to the LDH Test in Liver Cancer

For people with liver cancer, there is a growing interest in the LDH Test and what a change in LDH levels may mean. To learn more about the LDH Test in liver cancer, click here.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The links below will take you to Web sites to which Cancer.com's Privacy Policy does not apply. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy of every Web site you visit. This key indicates additional features each site may offer:

VIDEO
LIVE CHAT
MESSAGE BOARDS
ASK AN EXPERT/Q&A

National Cancer Institute     
A detailed online booklet listing possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and coping techniques for liver cancer.

Liver Cancer Network
Presented by The Liver Program at Allegheny General Hospital, this site provides information about the liver and liver cancer; basic functions of the liver, how liver cancer develops, diagnosis, and treatment.

Georgetown University Hospital 
The Transplant Institute and International Center for Liver Diseases at Georgetown University Hospital is affiliated with the Georgetown Transplant Institute, a program that offers liver, kidney, kidney/pancreas, and pancreas transplants. Read about services available at the hospital, transplant information, intestinal care, physician locator, plus patient story videos.

MedlinePlus 
Developed by government agencies and other health organizations, this site contains information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, lots of interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. Also features a "guide to healthy web surfing."

MayoClinic.com 
Not-for-profit hospital offers an introduction for newly diagnosed; includes step-by-step information about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and screening techniques.

Blue Faery – The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association
A supportive care, research, education, and advocacy site. Blue Faery's mission is to prevent, treat, and cure primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma.

NEWS