Leading Liver Cancer Care
Liver cancer is one of the most rapidly growing cancers in the United States.
Primary liver cancer, a type of gastrointestinal cancer, begins in the liver. Metastatic liver cancer starts somewhere else in the body and metastasizes (spreads) to the liver. The liver is a common place where cancer spreads. Its large size and high blood flow make it a prime target for tumor cells moving through the bloodstream.
The main types of primary liver cancer include:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Often referred to as hepatoma, HCC starts in the main liver cells called hepatocytes. It is the most common liver cancer — about four out of five primary liver cancers are of this type.
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Originates in the bile ducts in or outside of the liver. The bile ducts are the small tubes that transport the fluid bile from the liver into the gallbladder and intestines. About 10 percent to 20 percent of all liver cancers are of this type.
- Hepatoblastoma. Rare liver cancer that is often found in children.
- Angiosarcoma. Originates in the blood vessels inside the liver.
Several types of noncancerous tumors can also form in the liver. These include hemangiomas, hepatic adenomas, and focal nodular hyperplasia. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, but they still can cause problems if they grow large enough.
Learn more about liver cancer causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
State-of-the-Art Liver Cancer Treatment
Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, we are the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meeting the highest standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer the most advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere.
New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists
We offer access to New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, including nationally and internationally recognized oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice nurses and oncology support professionals with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care with expertise in gastrointestinal cancers.
Oncology Nurse Navigators Guide You
Oncology nurse navigators help secure appointments, coordinate follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, and guide you through aspects of survivorship.
To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best gastrointestinal cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
Liver Cancer Causes
Liver cancer occurs when DNA mutations cause liver cells to grow out of control and form a tumor.
Although the exact cause of liver cancer is only partially understood, there are behaviors and conditions (risk factors) that can help physicians determine who is most at risk.
Liver cancer risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Long-term hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver often causes by hepatitis and alcohol use)
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (extra fat in the liver not caused by alcohol)
- Diabetes
- Hemochromatosis (the body takes up and stores excess iron)
- Eating food that has aflatoxin (a fungus that grows on grains and nuts that have not been stored properly)
Liver Cancer Symptoms
Liver cancer symptoms may not present in the early stages of the disease. As cancer grows and reaches advanced stages, patients may experience liver cancer symptoms, including:
- Right-sided abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal swelling
- A hard lump on the right side of the abdomen just below the rib cage
- Right shoulder blade or back pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Unusual fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
Patients should make an appointment with their physician if they notice signs of liver cancer.
Liver Cancer Diagnosis
Patients who have or may have liver cancer may undergo one or more tests to receive a diagnosis, including:
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Angiography
- Bone scan
- Laparoscopy
- Lab tests
Patients may need further testing to better define the type and stage of liver cancer after the initial diagnosis.
Liver Cancer Treatment
Several types of treatments can be used for liver cancer. Liver cancer treatment options depend on the stage of cancer and other factors, which patients go over in great detail with their oncologist and care team.
Commonly prescribed liver cancer treatment options include:
- Surgery. A partial hepatectomy removes the cancerous part of the liver. A liver transplant replaces the cancerous liver with a healthy new one from a donor.
- Ablation. Commonly used on small tumors, high-energy radio waves are used to kill cancer cells.
- Embolization therapy. Substances are injected into the liver’s main artery (hepatic artery) to block blood flow to the tumor in the liver.
- Radiation therapy. Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from returning. External radiation involves radiation from a machine outside of the body. Internal radiation places radioactive substances in the body near cancer.
- Targeted drug therapy. Drugs target changes in cells that cause cancer. They sometimes work when chemotherapy does not and they may cause different side effects.
- Immunotherapy. The body's immune system is activated to locate and attack cancer.
- Chemotherapy. Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing.
To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best gastrointestinal cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376 .
