There are two types of primary liver tumors or cancers. The first and more common of the two is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Alcoholism and Hepatitis C are the two most common causes of cirrhosis in the U.S. Obesity, anabolic steroid abuse, exposure to certain chemicals, and Hepatitis B have also been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Because it often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages hepatocellular carcinoma often goes undetected until in its advanced stages. When HCC symptoms are present, they include weight loss, nausea, pain on the upper right side of the abdomen, a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). HCC treatment options depend on the stage of the liver cancer and may include: liver resection, in which the tumor is surgically removed; radiofrequency ablation, in which microwaves are used to kill the tumor; radiation; and chemotherapy. A team of physicians works with our patients to decide which HCC treatment option will be best for him or her.
