Life style changes such as a decrease in alcohol usage may decrease the risk of developing liver cancer. It is known that, if liver cancer is diagnosed early, the treatment is more effective. Currently ultrasonography of the liver and a blood test called alpha fetoprotein are being used to screen patients. Symptoms often start out as seeming minor and as such are ignored until the tumor has grown in size to cause more severe symptoms. While liver cancer can be suspected by symptoms described by the patient, a test to see the liver must be done.
Liver cancer can be difficult to treat.
Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue is often the treatment of choice. Liver transplantation may be considered in special cases. Other surgical procedures such as blocking specific arteries in the liver or instilling alcohol or gels into the liver tumor are being investigated. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be recommended by your doctor. Newer experimental therapies are available and will be discussed with you at the time of your doctors' visit.