Print Hepatocellular carcinoma Liver cancer Enlarge image Close Liver cancer Liver cancer Liver cancer begins in the liver cells. The most common type of liver cancer starts in cells called hepatocytes and is called hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs most often in people with chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. Risk factorsThe risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, is higher in people with long-term liver diseases. It's also higher if the liver is scarred by infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Hepatocellular carcinoma is more common in people who drink large amounts of alcohol and who have an accumulation of fat in the liver. DiagnosisTests and procedures used to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma include: Blood tests to measure liver function Imaging tests, such as CT and MRI Liver biopsy, in some cases, to remove a sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing TreatmentWhich treatment is best for you will depend on the size and location of your hepatocellular carcinoma, how well your liver is functioning, and your overall health. Hepatocellular carcinoma treatments include: Surgery. Surgery to remove the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue that surrounds it may be an option for people with early-stage liver cancers who have normal liver function. Liver transplant surgery. Surgery to remove the entire liver and replace it with a liver from a donor may be an option in otherwise healthy people whose liver cancer hasn't spread beyond the liver. Destroying cancer cells with heat or cold. Ablation procedures to kill the cancer cells in the liver using extreme heat or cold may be recommended for people who can't undergo surgery. These procedures include radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and ablation using alcohol or microwaves. Delivering chemotherapy or radiation directly to cancer cells. Using a catheter that's passed through your blood vessels and into your liver, doctors can deliver chemotherapy drugs (chemoembolization) or tiny glass spheres containing radiation (radioembolization) directly to the cancer cells. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy using energy from X-rays or protons may be recommended if surgery isn't an option. A specialized type of radiation therapy, called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), involves focusing many beams of radiation simultaneously at one point in your body. Targeted drug therapy. Targeted drugs attack specific weaknesses in the cancer cells, and they may help slow the progression of the disease in people with advanced liver cancers. Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy drugs use your body's germ-fighting immune system to attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be an option for treating advanced liver cancer. Clinical trials. Clinical trials give you a chance to try new liver cancer treatments. Ask your doctor whether you're eligible to participate in a clinical trial. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment April 28, 2023 Print Living with liver cancer? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Liver Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Liver Cancer Discussions Cholangiocarcinoma - Bile Duct Cancer - anyone else dealing with this? 219 Replies Wed, Oct 02, 2024 chevron-right Y-90 liver cancer treatment: What's your experience? 215 Replies Tue, Oct 01, 2024 chevron-right Anyone taking Capecitabine Chemo for bile duct cancer? 14 Replies Wed, Sep 25, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references AskMayoExpert. Hepatocellular carcinoma (adult). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018. Hepatobiliary cancers. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Accessed Feb. 21, 2019. Related Liver cancer Liver cancer FAQs What is liver cancer? An expert explains Associated Procedures Ablation therapy Bone scan Chemotherapy Chest X-rays Cryoablation for cancer CT scan Liver biopsy Liver transplant MRI Palliative care Proton therapy Radiation therapy Radiofrequency ablation for cancer Ultrasound Show more associated procedures News from Mayo Clinic A new smartphone application aims to predict the safety of liver surgery Nov. 08, 2023, 06:42 p.m. CDT Products & Services Assortment of Pill Aids from Mayo Clinic Store Liver cancerSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20202301 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Liver cancer