Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is linked to damage and scarring of the liver, heavy alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, and chronic viral infections. Although the direct cause of liver cancer can vary from person to person, certain risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.

Risk factors for liver cancer

Risk factors for liver cancer include:

Hereditary hemochromatosis  
A genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from food, leading to an iron buildup in various organs and damaging them.

Chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus  
Ongoing infections with hepatitis B or C can lead to long-term inflammation or scarring of the liver, leading to mutations and abnormal cell growth that can develop into cancerous tumors.

Heavy alcohol use  
Excessive alcohol is toxic to the liver and can cause irreversible damage. This damage is called cirrhosis, and it is a major risk factor for developing HCC.  

Diabetes  
Diabetes can lead to fat buildup in the liver, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can cause the liver to lose function and become scarred, which are major risk factors for HCC.

Eating foods that have aflatoxin  
Eating foods with aflatoxins (a fungus that grows on foods that have not been stored properly) can increase one’s risk of developing liver cancer.  

Smoking  
Smoking causes inflammation and liver damage, activating liver stellate cells (HSCs) that play a key role in the progression of liver disease and development of HCC.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD can cause inflammation and scarring, increasing a patient’s risk of developing lung cancer.  

The early stages of liver cancer often show no symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, some people may experience the following:

• Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; the pain may extend to the back and shoulder
• Swollen abdomen (bloating)
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite and feelings of fullness after a small meal
• Weakness or feeling very tired
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
• Fever

Please note: These signs and symptoms can be caused by other conditions and does not necessarily mean that you have cancer, so it is a good idea to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

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: 

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. 

Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.

Personalized attention
With our care team, 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 locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.

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: 

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. 

Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.

Personalized attention
With our care team, 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 locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.