

(QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology - Learn More
PVCS was the first practice to be certified by QOPI in Arizona
At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we understand that fighting cancer can be one of life’s most daunting, intimidating experiences. That’s why we’re here to help, every step of the way. We offer a variety of cutting-edge cancer treatments like the noninvasive CyberKnife System, and our team of expert cancer doctors works closely with patients to provide the comprehensive support needed to beat cancer. We treat almost all forms of cancer at our six state-of-the-art facilities, including all forms of liver cancer.
Liver cancer is the world’s sixth most common type of cancer, with more than 40,000 people diagnosed every year in the US alone. The term ‘liver cancer’ applies to any cancerous growth that forms in the cells of the liver, one of the largest organs in the body. The liver plays a number of crucial bodily functions including forming clotting factors for the blood, processing nutrients from the digestive tract, and filtering alcohol, drugs, and other toxins out of the body.
As with most forms of cancer, scientists still aren’t clear on the exact causal mechanisms of liver cancer. However, researchers have identified a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer at some point in life. Liver cancer risk factors include:
Unfortunately, liver cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms until the later, more advanced stages of the disease. If a liver tumor does produce symptoms, they may include any of the following:
However, cancer doctors can use a number of tests to detect and diagnose liver cancer before it gets serious. Usually, the first sign of liver cancer comes in the form of an abnormal blood test. Certain proteins in the blood act as markers for liver dysfunction, signaling that something is amiss.
If a blood test suggests liver abnormalities, your doctor may recommend an imaging test like a CT, ultrasound, or MRI. These tests will show any abnormal growths or tumors in the liver. If a tumor or abnormality is detected, your doctor will take a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for examination in a lab. The biopsy will determine if the abnormality is cancerous or a different kind of problem.
Liver cancer is a very common and very serious form of cancer, but with proper treatment, it is beatable. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with liver cancer, don’t wait: contact us today. We’ll help you understand your options and schedule an appointment for a consultation or second opinion, setting you on the road to effective treatment and eventual recovery. We look forward to hearing from you.