Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Liver cancer, most often known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), typically develops in people who already have liver disease or cirrhosis. It can be slow-growing or aggressive, depending on when it’s found. Detecting liver cancer early gives patients the best chance for successful treatment.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our hepatology and oncology specialists work together to identify, stage, and treat liver cancer using the most advanced diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive treatment options available.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Liver cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is crucial for anyone with chronic liver disease. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
- Upper abdominal pain or swelling
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Nausea or feeling full after small meals
During your visit, your hepatologist will review your medical and liver disease history, along with risk factors such as hepatitis infection, alcohol use, or fatty liver disease. A physical exam and initial blood work help determine if further testing is needed.
Diagnosis
Liver cancer is diagnosed using specialized imaging and lab studies to confirm the presence and extent of the tumor:
- Ultrasound or CT/MRI scans: Detect nodules or masses within the liver.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test: A tumor marker often elevated in liver cancer.
- Liver biopsy: Confirms the diagnosis when imaging results are unclear.
- PET-CT scan: Assesses for spread to other organs.
At our center, these studies are coordinated quickly, and results are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team that includes hepatologists, oncologists, and interventional radiologists.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer’s size, location, and whether the liver is still functioning well. Your care team will create an individualized plan, which may include:
Localized Therapies
- Surgical removal (resection): Best for small, isolated tumors and healthy liver tissue.
- Liver transplantation: For patients with advanced liver disease and limited tumor spread.
- Ablation or embolization (TACE): Minimally invasive procedures that destroy or block the tumor’s blood supply.
Systemic & Supportive Therapies
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy: Uses medication to attack cancer cells directly or boost the immune system.
- Chemotherapy or radiation: Used selectively, often for advanced stages or symptom relief.
Ongoing Management & Long-Term Care
Even after successful treatment, ongoing care is essential to detect recurrence and maintain liver health. This includes:
- Regular imaging (every 3–6 months) for early detection of new tumors
- Continued surveillance for cirrhosis and liver function
- Avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet
- Managing chronic hepatitis or fatty liver disease to prevent new damage
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, patients benefit from a coordinated care model that combines hepatology, oncology, and transplant expertise, ensuring the best possible outcomes through every stage of recovery.