MemorialCare Cancer Institute at:
Liver Cancer
A cancer that begins in the tissue of the liver, an organ in the digestive system, is primary liver cancer. When cancer from the colon, lung, breast or other parts of the body spreads to the liver, it is known as secondary liver cancer. Some non-cancerous (benign) tumors can also form in the liver.
Symptoms
Often, liver cancer symptoms do not occur until late stages. Some symptoms may include:- Pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right side, that may also be in back and shoulder.
- Swollen abdomen.
- Loss of appetite and weight.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weakness and tiredness.
- Yellow coloring of the skin, whites of your eyes and dark urine (jaundice).
- Fever.
Causes & Prevention
The causes for liver cancer are unknown. By avoiding hepatitis infections, moldy grains, limiting alcohol use and not smoking you can help reduce your risk for liver cancer.
Risk Factors
You are at a greater risk for liver cancer risk if you:- Are male.
- Are over the age of 40 years.
- Are African American, Asian or Polynesian.
- Suffer from certain types of liver diseases, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or cirrhosis.
- Are exposed to aflatoxins – a mold found in food such as peanuts, corn and soybeans.
- Are Diabetic.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam and blood tests, diagnostic images such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can be preformed to view the liver. A biopsy may be taken so that a pathologist can examine the liver tissue under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Staging
If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
