Liver Cancer

Why choose us for your cancer care?

Anyone can get liver cancer, but the concern is particularly high in South Texas. In our region, liver cancer is affecting a growing number of people, particularly Latinos. But you’ve got experts close at hand. Doctors at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, are helping more people reclaim their health.

We make it easier to receive the high-quality care you deserve, close to home. We offer the latest therapies, including sophisticated nonsurgical procedures and clinical trials, giving you the best chances for good results.

Patients from San Antonio and 38 counties in South Texas put their trust in our program. Find out more about our liver tumor and cancer program.

What you need to know about liver cancer

• Viral hepatitis, obesity and heavy drinking, that cause liver scarring (cirrhosis). You face a higher risk if you regularly consume too much alcohol.
• South Texas has unusually high rates of liver cancer. Our researchers are leading the way to determine why.
• Getting treatment for conditions such as hepatitis C, a liver infection, can lower your risk of a liver cancer diagnosis.
• We work alongside other nationally renowned liver cancer experts as part of the Texas Liver Tumor Center. In one visit, you see multiple specialists and receive a personalized care plan.

How to talk to your doctor about liver cancer

Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis. Whether you feel overwhelmed or want more information, we’re here to help. We encourage you to voice questions and concerns at any point in your care journey. No subject is too small to discuss.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Further testing you might need to inform your diagnosis or treatment decisions
• Cancer stage, tumor size, whether it has spread and what it means for your long-term health
• Treatment options, including any clinical trials you may be eligible for
• Side effects of treatment and how you can lessen the impact of side effects on your daily life
• Support to help you cope with the ways cancer may affect your mind, body and spirit

You are welcome to bring a friend or loved one with you to appointments. They can help you remember important details and assist you in making care decisions.

Types

We treat rare and common forms of liver cancer, including:

• Angiosarcoma starts within blood vessels anywhere in the body, including the liver.
• Bile duct cancer affects tubes (ducts) connecting the liver and small intestine. The bile ducts deliver a substance (bile) to aid digestion.
• Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FHCC) occurs in young adults with no history of liver disease.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stems from cirrhosis and liver disease.

Symptoms

In the early stages, cancerous growths (tumors) are often small enough not to affect liver functioning. As a result, you might not notice any symptoms.

As a tumor grows and starts to invade more liver tissue, you may experience:

• Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Bowel movements that produce white, chalky stools
• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

There are many ways to test for liver cancer. The options that are best for your circumstances depend on your health history and symptoms. Learn more about diagnosing cancer.

We may recommend:

• Blood tests to check liver functioning and look for abnormal levels of certain substances
• Imaging tests to pinpoint the size and location of liver tumors
• Tissue sample (biopsy) of the liver to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis

Treatment

Liver cancer treatment often includes surgery to remove the tumor. We also offer cancer-fighting drugs (chemotherapy) and a broad range of radiation therapy options. Find out more about cancer treatments.

Additional liver cancer treatment options include:

• Radioembolization with yttrium-90 (Y-90): Tiny seeds with a radioactive substance (Y-90) block the tumor’s blood supply.
• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): We implant materials in blood vessels to block the tumor’s blood supply and deliver chemotherapy.

• Liver transplant: We remove the liver and replace it with one from a healthy donor. 
• Immunotherapy: You receive substances that help you immune system attack cancer cells in a way that’s similar to how you fight a cold. Read more about immunotherapy.

Our whole-person approach includes services and therapies to maximize your quality of life during treatment. We offer pain-relief injections and massage to ease discomfort. Social workers, financial counselors and other specialists can help you manage your treatment. Find out more about our supportive cancer care clinic.

Research and clinical trials for liver cancer

Through clinical trials, we offer other options for healing. We are exploring new methods for controlling cirrhosis and other precancerous conditions, including fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our efforts also give you early access to new care methods. Additional clinical trial opportunities may be available through the Texas Liver Tumor Center.

Get more information about cancer research and clinical trials.