Liver cancer

Liver cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the liver. Liver cancer may spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma.

Liver cancer may not cause any symptoms. When it does, they may include pain in the upper belly or the back, a swollen belly, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), unintended weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling full after eating only a small amount, or weakness and fatigue.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. You may have blood tests and imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI. Sometimes, a small sample (biopsy) of the liver may be removed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is based on the stage of the cancer and other things, such as your overall health. It may include:

• Surgery. A doctor will remove the cancer, if possible.
• Ablation. This uses heat, cold, or chemicals to destroy tumors. It may be done when tumors are small or surgery is not a good choice.
• Embolization. This injects tiny particles directly into a blood vessel in the liver. The particles may or may not be radioactive or mixed with chemotherapy medicine. This is done to reduce or stop blood flow to the tumor.
• Radiation therapy. This uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Other treatment options may include:

• Targeted therapy. These medicines target cancer cells and may cause less harm to normal cells.
• Immunotherapy. This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer.

In some cases, a liver transplant may be done if a donor organ can be found.

Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine.
• Eat healthy food. If you do not feel like eating, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss.
• Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired.
• Get enough sleep and take time to do things you enjoy. This can help reduce stress.
• Think about joining a support group. Or discuss your concerns with your doctor, counselor, or other health professional.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
• If you have not already done so, prepare a list of advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself.