Liver Cancer
Liver cancer affects the liver and this is a large organ at the top right side of your abdomen that helps you to digest your food and removes toxins.
What to expect from your appointments with us
Your initial appointment will most likely be in the Upper Gastrointestinal MDT clinic which happens every Thursday afternoon shortly after the multidisciplinary team meeting where all these cancers are discussed.
You will meet one of the surgeons who will explain the diagnosis, results of tests and the plan for your further investigation and treatment. You will also meet the cancer nurse specialist and the specialist dietitian. The team is there to give you understandable information and answer any questions you may have.
What to expect from your diagnostic tests and investigations
Liver cancer is diagnosed following various tests. Your medical team may request some of the following tests and investigations:
- Blood tests – These will check your general health, including your bone marrow, liver and kidney function. The test will also look for Alfa-fetoprotein serum. This is a protein found in abnormal amounts in the blood of patients with cancer
- CT Scan - CT scans take cross sectional images of your body. This normally takes around 20 minutes. You may be given a special dye to help show more detail in the scan images.
- MRI Scan – MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to create three dimensional images. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour. You may be given a special dye to help show more detail in the scan images.
- Liver biopsy – This is performed in Radiology under ultrasound guidance and sometimes CT, depending on the location of the tumour. The sample taken is sent to the histology laboratory for review which helps confirm diagnosis.
Treatment options and what to expect
Surgery - If your liver cancer has been found early and it has not spread, you may be able to have surgery to remove it. This is called a Liver Resection or Hepatectomy – this is a major operation to remove part of your liver and can include removing the gall bladder. In some cases, the bile duct will need to be removed as well and then connected to the bowel.
All surgery for liver cancer is performed at the regional liver and pancreas surgery centre in Birmingham. If you require surgery as part of your treatment, the Gloucester team will refer you to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
It is possible to remove up to 75% of your liver, as the liver can regrow.
Contacts
Upper GI Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team (hepatobiliary): 0300 422 6674
Cancer Support Workers: 0300 422 5374 / ghn-tr.uppergihnateam@nhs.net