Liver cancer

Liver cancer treatment

Overview

Surgery to remove the cancer (liver resection) or a liver transplant may be an option for a small number of people. Other treatments aim to control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

Liver cancer booklet (PDF)
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There are many different types of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of primary liver cancer. The treatment recommended will depend on a range of factors, including:

  • the size of the tumour
  • how far it has spread within the liver and the body
  • whether you have cirrhosis
  • if any major blood vessels are involved
  • your age and your general health.

Making treatment decisions

Sometimes it is difficult to decide on the type of treatment to have. You may feel that everything is happening too fast, or you might be anxious to get started. Read our simple guide to making decisions with your health professionals. 

A multidisciplinary team (MDT) may meet to discuss the best treatment options for you. Ask your doctor if your case has been discussed by an MDT.

Treatments for HCC that affects only the liver include:

  • surgery - liver resection or liver transplant
  • tumour ablation - heat or alcohol is used to destroy the tumour
  • radiation therapy - stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), also known as stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SABR), or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)
  • transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) - chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumour via its blood supply.

If the cancer is advanced or has spread beyond the liver, you may be offered drug therapies such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Sometimes, if the liver is too damaged, you may be offered palliative treatment to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Surgery

Liver surgery aims to remove all the cancer from the body.  This may be done by removing part of the liver (liver resection) or replacing the whole liver (liver transplant).

Non-surgical treatments

If you cannot have surgery, you may be offered treatments to destroy or shrink the cancer without removing it. Some people with advanced liver cancer are offered immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Palliative treatment

Palliative treatment helps to improve people's quality of life by managing the symptoms of advanced cancer.

Relevant support

Liver Foundation

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Pancare Foundation

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