Liver Cancer
Expert Liver Cancer Care, Close to Home
At Texas Oncology, our liver cancer program lies at the heart of our commitment to delivering advanced cancer care. Our oncologists and surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating liver cancer tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
What sets Texas Oncology apart is our collaborative, patient-centered approach. With more than 550 physicians across the state, our patients received world-class care close to home.
When you seek treatment with us, you can expect a personalized care plan, a dedicated team alongside you, and the latest advancements in cancer treatment, all designed to support you.
Liver Cancer Diagnosis at Texas Oncology
Liver cancer is usually detected through a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and/or symptoms. Patients at high risk for liver cancer are recommended to undergo periodic ultrasound examinations coupled with lab tests. Finding out you have liver cancer can be difficult to process. It is normal to feel many different emotions and have questions. Our team at Texas Oncology is here to help you understand your diagnosis and navigate the road ahead.
Tests to screen and diagnose liver cancer
While there are no widely recommended screening tests for people who have a low to average risk for liver cancer, high risk individuals, such as those with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C, are encouraged to get tested. There are several tests that can help doctors diagnose liver cancer and learn more about the cancer, such as how far it has spread.
Imaging tests
Using x-rays, magnetic fields, or sound waves, imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body. It can help doctors determine if an abnormal area is liver cancer, see how far the cancer is spread, and determine if treatment is working.
Ultrasound
This test uses sound waves and echoes to create an image on the computer screen. It has the ability to show growing tumors in the liver. Ultrasound is typically utilized for liver screening in high risk individuals
Computed tomography (CT)
CT scans use x-rays to create detailed images inside the body. It can detect live tumors and show the size, shape, and location of tumors living in the liver or anywhere near the abdomen. At times, a diagnosis of liver cancer can be made using a CT scan without the need for a biopsy in high-risk individuals.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI scans use radio waves to provide detailed images of soft tissues in the body. Similar to a CT scan, a liver cancer diagnosis can be made with an MRI without a biopsy in high-risk individuals.
Stages of liver cancer
- Stage 0 (very early stage): A single tumor smaller than 2 cm, with normal liver function.
- Stage A (early stage stage): A single tumor smaller than 5 cm, or up to 3 tumors smaller than 3 cm, with normal liver function.
- Stage B (intermediate stage): There are multiple tumors in the liver, with normal liver function.
- Stage C (advanced stage): The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, like blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other organs.
- Stage D: At this stage, the liver is severely damaged, symptoms become noticeable, and the cancer has spread beyond the liver.
Liver Cancer Treatment at Texas Oncology
Our liver cancer specialists follow ground-breaking research and the latest treatment guidelines to deliver comprehensive cancer care. They will review your case and help you plan while keeping your priorities and preferences top of mind.
Treating liver cancer
Liver cancer treatment depends on a variety of factors, such as the location of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. You may undergo one treatment or multiple treatments. Some treatments are offered at the same time, while others are offered in a series. Here are some liver cancer treatments we offer:
Surgical treatment
For patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and who have early-stage cancer, treatment typically consists of surgical removal of the cancer or a liver transplant. Ablation techniques (a minimally invasive medical procedure) can also be utilized as potentially curative therapy in select individuals.
Non-surgical liver targeted therapy
Not all patients will want or be candidates for surgery. Fortunately, there are several non-surgical treatment options available, such as ablation and chemoembolization. Ablation uses techniques to destroy the tumor, whereas chemoembolization involves a mix of chemotherapy and embolization to shrink or kill the tumor.
Precision cancer medications
Precision cancer medicine involves looking for abnormalities in a patient’s DNA sequence. Once it is identified, a targeted therapy can be designed to attack the specific mutation that is causing the cancer.
Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy
Cancer cells can hide and prevent the immune system from attacking them. This treatment helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively by blocking the pathway that tells immune cells (like T-cells) to stand down from killing cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. It can be taken orally as a pill or injected into the vein.
Radiation therapy
Using high-energy x-rays, radiation therapy works to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This prevents cancerous cells from reproducing and growing.
Your Liver Cancer Team
Our providers work together to provide well-rounded liver cancer care. Depending on your needs, your team may include a:
General surgeons are equipped to perform laparoscopies for abdominal issues like appendicitis, gallbladder problems, and hernia repairs.
Radiation oncologists use targeted radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. After surgery, a radiation oncologist may deliver targeted radiation to lymph nodes where cancer cells may have spread.
Medical oncologists help decide if medicine like chemotherapy is needed after surgery. They deliver treatments that travel throughout the whole body to fight cancer and monitor your progress to ensure the cancer stays away.
Advanced Practice Providers (APP) include nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in collaboration with your doctors to deliver care. They conduct follow-up visits, coordinate care, and prescribe some medications.
Why Choose Texas Oncology
Our team of oncologists and surgeons is dedicated to your health and well-being. When you come to us for care, you will find:
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
At Texas Oncology, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With more than 250 locations, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
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Advancing Cancer Care
Advancing Cancer Care
The latest advancements in cancer care may be just down the road from your home. Texas Oncology has an active clinical trial program that helps patients receive promising therapies before they’re widely available.