Which specialist treats liver cancer?

Liver cancer treatment depends on where the tumour is, how much liver is working, whether disease has spread, and the underlying liver condition. A hepatobiliary surgeon assesses whether Liver Resection is suitable. An interventional radiologist may perform Tumour Ablation or another image-guided treatment. A medical oncologist discusses medicines such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy. A hepatologist or gastroenterologist manages cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver function, while radiologists and pathologists help confirm and stage the diagnosis.

Jaundice or persistent abdominal pain can occur for many reasons. These symptoms need assessment but do not by themselves establish liver cancer.

Ask for referral to a hepatobiliary or liver cancer multidisciplinary team. Bring scan reports, images, blood results, medicine and supplement lists, and information about hepatitis, cirrhosis or previous liver problems. Ask who is coordinating the plan and whether the diagnosis requires a biopsy or other testing.

Discuss surgery, ablation and medicines in the context of liver function and your goals. Ask about preserving healthy liver tissue, managing pain and nausea, and monitoring hepatitis B or other liver conditions during treatment.

Seek urgent help for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, rapidly worsening jaundice, fever with shaking chills or sudden abdominal swelling. Contact your clinical team promptly for increasing yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting or new swelling of the legs or abdomen.

What type of liver tumour is present and how was it confirmed? How well is my liver functioning? Which specialist is coordinating the team? Could resection, ablation, immunotherapy or targeted therapy help? What are the effects on healthy liver tissue? Should hepatitis B be assessed or treated before therapy?