Primary liver cancer
A malignant tumour that starts in the liver is known as primary liver cancer. We offer a range of tests, scans and innovative treatments for liver cancer, as well as exceptional personal care
What is primary liver cancer?
Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the liver. Secondary (metastatic) liver cancer happens when cancer spreads from a different part of the body to the liver.
If you have suspected liver cancer, our expert multidisciplinary team at the London Liver Group will assess, advise and support you throughout diagnosis and treatment.
We can diagnose liver cancer depending on what cells the cancer starts in. Cancer can affect the main liver cells (hepatocytes), the bile duct and blood vessels linked to the liver.
The most common types of primary liver cancer include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma. HCC occurs in hepatocytes whereas cholangiocarcinoma affects the bile duct cells.
Causes
The cause of primary liver cancer is not known. You can be at a higher risk of developing liver cancer if you:
• Are over the age of 60
• Have a family history of liver cancer
• Smoke
• Drink too much alcohol
• Are overweight or obese
• Have other conditions that affect your liver such as cirrhosis, hepatitis or diabetes
Liver cirrhosis is a condition where the tissue becomes scarred and hardened. If you have liver cirrhosis, you should be screened for HCC every six months.
Symptoms
Primary liver cancer can often have no symptoms. Tumours can grow in the liver for many months before symptoms appear, if at all. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so it may not always be cancer.
Some symptoms of liver cancer include:
• Unintentional weight loss
• Feeling very tired
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of eyes (jaundice)
• A lump in your tummy or having a swollen tummy
• Feeling sick
If these symptoms persist, speak to a doctor to find out a possible cause. Our oncologists (cancer doctors) at the London Liver Group are experts at diagnosing, monitoring and treating primary liver cancer.
Diagnosis
Primary liver cancer is often first detected on an ultrasound scan or with a blood test. A raised blood test result called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can indicate liver cancer.
After these initial tests, your doctor will complete a series of investigations. These tests are used to determine the location, size and amount of the tumour in the liver (staging).
Staging can be done using an MRI or CT scan. A biopsy (taking a sample of tissue) is rarely used for diagnosis. Getting a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our team of specialists will support you during every stage of your diagnosis.
Treatments
Treatment of primary liver cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumour as well as your general wellbeing.
At an early stage, HCC on the liver can be surgically removed. At more advanced stages, treatment can involve:
• Blocking the blood supply to the tumours (transarterial embolisation or TACE)
• Destroying tumour tissue (radiofrequency ablation or RFA)
Chemotherapy, or using anti-cancer drugs, has limited use in treating HCC in particular.
At the London Liver Group, we offer newer and advanced therapies using the latest equipment and technology. This includes selective internal radiotherapy or SIRT.