Overview
Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in the liver. Liver cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or the lymph nodes and tissues in the belly.
Treatment depends on what type of liver cancer you have and how far it has spread. You may need more than one kind of treatment, such as medicine, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In some cases, other treatments or a liver transplant may be needed.
If your cancer cannot be cured, the goal may be to remove or destroy as much of the tumour as possible. This can prevent cancer from growing, spreading, or returning for as long as possible.
Your medical team will work with you to help manage the treatment side effects. These can include feeling very tired, feeling sick to your stomach, or having a higher risk for infections.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have any abnormal bleeding, such as:
- Nosebleeds.
- Bloody or black stools, or rectal bleeding.
- You have a fever.
- You feel very sleepy or confused.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- There is a new or increasing yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You have any problems.
- You are gaining weight.
- Your belly is getting bigger.