Liver Cancer Care & Treatment
When it comes to liver cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions, expert evaluation is vital to accurately diagnose liver cancer and then determine the best course of treatment for the individual patient.
You plan for everything.
We’re here for the things you can’t plan for. Hoag is the top cancer program in OC, with cancer survival rates that continuously exceed national averages.
The Latest Advancements in Liver Cancer Care
Primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular cancer, is a cancer that occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the liver.
HCC is a cancer of the hepatocyte (one of the main functional cell types in the liver). Most cases are seen in people with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Other, less common, types of liver cancers include:
Cholangiocarcinomas (cancer of the bile ducts)
Sarcomas and angiosarcomas (connective tissue within the liver)
Unlike primary liver cancer, cancers that originate elsewhere in the body and eventually migrate to the liver are known as liver metastasis or secondary liver cancers. The liver is the most common site (after the lymph nodes) for cancers to spread.
Most of these originate from cancers of the colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach, esophagus, breast, lung, melanoma and some other less common sites.
In addition to malignant liver tumors, there are also benign (non-cancerous) liver tumors that may require treatment, such as: Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) Hemangioma Hepatocellular Adenoma
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials & Research
Hoag leads innovative clinical trials, including immunotherapy agents, all pushing for more advanced, effective care for liver cancer patients.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Often, liver cancer does not cause symptoms during early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms associated with liver disease often develop, including:
- 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/or feelings of fullness
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
- Fever
Risk Factors for Liver Cancer
The exact cause of primary liver cancer is unknown, however, major risk factors include:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Alcohol abuse
- Cirrhosis (buildup of scar tissue in the liver)
- Exposure to toxins
- Anabolic steroid usage
- Family history of liver cancer
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson’s Disease
Liver Cancer Nurse Navigator
A clinical nurse navigator serves an important role as facilitator and guide for patients, providing resources, access to clinical providers and answering questions throughout the cancer journey.
Expert Care You Can Trust
Hoag’s committed to accurate diagnosis, combined with progressive therapeutic options enables Hoag patients to achieve some of the highest clinical outcomes in the nation.