Liver Cancer
Liver cancer diagnoses are on the rise, having tripled since 1980, and today, more than 42,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. This cancer can strike men and women of all ages and requires prompt intervention, which is where the team of oncologists at Charleston Oncology comes in. With cutting-edge clinical trials and the latest treatment protocols, the doctors help patients better negotiate this fairly common cancer. For more information, please call to request an appointment.
Liver Cancer is Challenging. Your Care Shouldn’t Be.
At Charleston Oncology, we understand that a liver cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Our physicians take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, following the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to ensure you receive the most advanced care available. Depending on your individual needs, your treatment plan may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy (including CyberKnife®), tumor ablation, embolization therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgery. Whatever your plan entails, your Charleston Oncology doctor will collaborate with a team of specialists to deliver coordinated, compassionate care designed to fight your cancer with precision and hope.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM Liver CANCER CARE AT CHARLESTON ONCOLOGY
CONDUCTING THE ORCHESTRA OF CARE
Your medical oncologist is a central guide in your liver cancer care. Like an orchestra conductor, they ensure that surgeons, radiologists, interventional specialists, and support staff work together seamlessly to provide a coordinated, personalized treatment plan.
Your oncologist advocates for you at every stage, helping you understand your options and coordinating care to deliver the best outcomes for your unique situation.
PERSONALIZED LIVER CANCER TREATMENT PLANS
Liver cancer treatment is highly individualized and depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, whether it has spread, and your overall health. At Charleston Oncology, we offer a full spectrum of treatments tailored to your needs:
Surgery: When possible, surgical removal of the tumor offers the best chance for long-term control. Depending on your condition, surgery may include:
- Partial hepatectomy: Removal of only the cancerous portion of the liver.
- Liver transplant: In select cases, a transplant may be considered to replace the diseased liver.
Targeted Therapies: Medications that specifically attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, slowing tumor growth and improving outcomes.
Immunotherapy: Innovative treatments that stimulate your immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy: Advanced techniques, including CyberKnife®, can deliver precise, high-dose radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Tumor Ablation: Procedures such as radiofrequency or microwave ablation destroy tumors directly in the liver.
Embolization Therapy: Techniques like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization cut off blood supply to tumors and deliver targeted therapy directly to the liver.
Chemotherapy: While less commonly used as a primary treatment, chemotherapy may be part of a combination plan for advanced disease.
DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING
Liver cancer often shows few symptoms in its early stages, but some warning signs may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- A heavy feeling under the right rib cage
If preliminary tests raise suspicion, our team uses advanced diagnostics to confirm the diagnosis and stage the cancer:
- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and angiograms to evaluate the liver and surrounding structures.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure for direct visualization of the liver.
- Biopsy: Tissue testing to confirm the type of cancer.
- Angiogram: Observation of blood vessels.
Your doctor also performs a series of lab tests, including an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test, a liver function test, and a blood clotting test. Between the imaging and lab results, your doctor can get a better idea of the type and stage of your liver cancer.
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When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt like my whole world stopped. But from the moment I walked into Charleston Oncology, I knew I was in the right hands. The doctors explained everything clearly and made me feel like I wasn’t just another patient — I was part of their family.
Sarah T – Breast Cancer Survivor
What is liver cancer?
Your liver is the largest internal organ in your body and it’s responsible for filtering your blood, among other functions. There are several types of cancer that can originate in your liver, including:
Hepatocellular carcinoma
This is the most common form of liver cancer and presents itself either as a large tumor or small cancer nodules scattered throughout your liver.
Bile duct cancer (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma)
This type of the disease makes up 10-20% of diagnoses and starts in the cells of your liver’s bile ducts.
Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma
These are rarer forms of the disease that originate in the cells that line the blood vessels in your liver.
While the above represent the most common forms of primary liver cancer, many cancers can metastasize to your liver, though your doctor will treat the primary cause of the cancer before addressing the problem in your liver.
What are the signs of liver cancer?
Often, the signs of liver cancer show up in its later stages, but sometimes there are warning flags in the early stages. These include:
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Pain in your abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- A heavy feeling on your right side under your ribs
If your primary care doctor has run tests and performed some preliminary diagnostic imaging and found something suspicious, the doctors at Charleston Hematology Oncology Associates can narrow down your diagnosis with:
- Ultrasounds
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Angiogram to observe your blood vessels
- Laparoscopy for a closer look
- Biopsy to test the tissue
Your doctor also performs a series of lab tests, including an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test, a liver function test, and a blood clotting test. Between the imaging and lab results, your doctor can get a better idea of the type and stage of your liver cancer.
What are the treatments for liver cancer?
The doctors at Charleston Oncology recommend the latest treatment protocols put forward by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation, including CyberKnife®
- Tumor ablation
- Embolization therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery
Whatever treatment plan you follow, rest assured that your doctor works with the specialists necessary to combat your liver cancer.
To get started on your liver cancer treatment, call Charleston Oncology today.
Medical Oncology and Hematology Specialists located in Downtown Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville & Walterboro, SC.
Stories from our Patients
Our patients share their journey with newly diagnosed patients. Here their inspirational stories and advice
during the fight against liver cancer.
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Voted Best In Charleston
Charleston Oncology – Best Oncology Practice
With over 100 years of combined experience, the team of hematologists and oncologists at Charleston Oncology, a department of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, is proud to be named HealthLinks Magazine’s Best Oncology Practice.
David Ellison, M.D. – Best Oncologist
Honored as Best Oncologist, Dr. David Ellison is a past recipient of the Physician Champion Award from the Roper St. Francis Foundation, founding chairman of the Lowcountry Komen for the Cure Foundation, and principal investigator for several groundbreaking cancer drug clinical trials.
