Liver Cancer

What Is Liver Cancer?

The liver is the body’s largest internal organ, located in the upper right portion of the abdomen. It performs many vital functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid digestion, and regulating nutrients and energy.

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the liver begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops from the main type of liver cell (hepatocytes). Other, less common liver cancers include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer within the liver) and angiosarcoma (cancer of the liver’s blood vessels).

What Causes Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer develops when genetic changes in liver cells lead to uncontrolled growth and division. While the exact cause is not always known, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

• Aging
• Family history of liver or other cancers
• Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B or C)
• Cirrhosis (liver scarring, often due to hepatitis or alcohol use)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
• Genetic mutations
• Personal history of other cancers

How Is Liver Cancer Detected?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Imaging studies are commonly used to evaluate the liver and detect tumors. Imaging may include:

• CT scan: Provides cross-sectional X-ray images of the liver.
• MRI: Produces detailed images using magnetic fields, helpful for distinguishing liver tumors.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize the liver and detect masses.
• PET scan: Identifies cancer cells based on their absorption of a radioactive tracer.
• PET-CT scan: Combines PET and CT imaging for enhanced accuracy.

If imaging reveals a suspicious mass, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer type.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Abdominal discomfort, pain, or pressure
• A sensation of a mass in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
• Fever

Since these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, it is important to consult your doctor for proper evaluation.

Stages of Liver Cancer

Stage I

Cancer is limited to the liver and consists of a single tumor without blood vessel invasion.

Stage II

Cancer is either a single tumor with blood vessel invasion or multiple tumors smaller than 5 cm, still confined to the liver.

Stage III

Cancer involves multiple tumors larger than 5 cm or has spread to major blood vessels or nearby organs, but not to distant sites.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones, or to distant lymph nodes.

How Is Liver Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Options may include:

• Surgery: Removal of part of the liver (hepatic resection) or, in some cases, a liver transplant.
• Ablation or embolization: Minimally invasive procedures that destroy tumors or block their blood supply.
• Radiation therapy: Targeted beams to destroy cancer cells, sometimes delivered as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, though it is less commonly used for liver cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs designed to block specific growth signals in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

When developing a treatment plan, doctors consider:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The type and stage of liver cancer
• Any other medical conditions
• The likelihood of treatment success
• Possible side effects of each therapyWhen developing a treatment plan, doctors consider:
• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The type and stage of liver cancer
• Any other medical conditions
• The likelihood of treatment success
• Possible side effects of each therapy

Our Approach

At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we understand that a liver cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our expert oncologists provide personalized, comprehensive care using the most advanced treatments available. We are here to answer your questions, support you through every stage of treatment, and help you achieve the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to liver cancer, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or request an appointment online.