Liver Cancer FAQs

Radiation Therapy Centers in Payson & Phoenix

Fighting cancer is one of the hardest things that anyone has to do, but at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we believe there’s always hope. As a leading provider of radiation therapy and cancer treatments serving the greater Phoenix area, we’ve helped patients battling even the most severe forms of cancer beat their condition and recover. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with liver cancer, we’re here to help – and the first step to recovery is education.

Common Questions About Liver Tumors

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer refers to any cancerous growth that forms in the cells of the liver. There are many types of liver cancer, but some of the most common include:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (makes up 75% of cases)
• Angiosarcoma
• Hepatoblastoma
• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

What causes liver cancer?

As with most cancers, it’s difficult for scientists to label an exact cause for liver cancer. However, research has uncovered a number of risk factors, which increase the likelihood of someone developing liver cancer at some point in their lifetime. The risk factors for liver cancer include:

• Cirrhosis​: This is a progressive, irreversible condition which causes scar tissue to form in the liver. Cirrhosis is a significant risk factor for liver cancer.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption​: Heavy drinking over a period of many years causes liver cirrhosis, which makes alcohol consumption a risk factor for liver cancer.
• Diabetes​: People with diabetes are more likely to develop liver cancer.
• Chronic Infections​: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease​: This condition, which causes fat to build up in the liver, increases the likelihood of liver cancer.

Does liver cancer have symptoms?

Unfortunately, liver cancer rarely produces symptoms until an advanced stage, which makes it hard to detect and treat. That said, liver cancer may cause any of the following symptoms:

• Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the abdomen or stomach
• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• A lump on the right side of the abdomen

What are the treatment options for liver cancer?

As with all forms of cancer, the treatment options for liver cancer vary depending on the specifics of the case and the patient. Only you and your doctor can decide on the best treatment for your specific case, and your doctor may elect to combine multiple forms of treatment to produce the best result. Some of the most common treatments for liver cancer include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Liver transplant

Schedule a Consultation with Your Phoenix Radiation Therapy Center

If you or someone you love is battling liver cancer, you deserve the best possible chance at a full recovery – and at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, our mission is to help you get one. We’re proud to provide some of the most advanced cancer treatment in the world from our Phoenix cancer centers, and we’ll work tirelessly to help you beat your condition and reclaim your life. Don’t wait: schedule an appointment online today and get started on the road to recovery.