Liver Cancer (Tumor)

Description

An abnormal growth of cells that can destroy the liver and damage surrounding organs. Liver cancer can arise primarily from the liver cells or by spreading from a distant cancer (metastasis). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer and it is more frequently seen 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 digesting chemicals. If the liver fails death occurs shortly 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.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Imaging, a liver biopsy, and blood tests may be done to identify the cancer and the severity of the disease.

Treatment

Therapy depends on the extent of the cancer. 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. For more information contact the American Cancer Society: (800)227-2345

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