What is Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the liver, the second largest organ in our body. The liver weighs about 2 to 6 pounds and is located in the right upper abdomen. The liver has many duties, such as detoxifying substances, secreting bile and metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Like other organs in our body, the liver is susceptible to diseases, including cancer. There are several types of cancer that can develop in the liver of adults, including:

• ihepatocellular carcinoma, also known as hepatoma (most common type of liver cancer)

• cholangiocarcinomas

Liver cancer can also be classified as primary or secondary. Primary liver cancer is cancer that has originated in the liver. Secondary liver cancer is cancer that has spread to the liver from another location in the body.

Children can develop a rare type of liver cancer called "hepatoblastoma." Since hepatoblastoma is very rare and is a childhood cancer, this article will solely reference adult primary liver cancer.
 
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer does not present any symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms of liver cancer include:

• jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• unintentional weight loss

• loss of appetite

• pain and/or discomfort on the right side of the abdomen

• pain or discomfort that occurs in the right shoulder blade

Liver Cancer Treatment
How liver cancer is treated differs, depending on the stage of the disease. Some treatment plans may include standard treatments, such as chemotherapy, while some plans will include clinical trials of new drugs and treatment methods. Regardless of what type of treatment plan you and your doctor choose, you should know all the options that are available.

There are a couple of different options for treating liver cancer surgically. These options include:

• Partial hepatectomy: A partial hepatectomy is the surgical removal of the cancerous part of the liver.
   

• Liver transplant: In this procedure, the diseased liver is removed and is replaced with a part or entire healthy liver. A liver transplant is available for select patients, and liver donors can be strangers or family members who meet specific criteria.
   

• Radiofrequency ablation: This is the use of a probe that has tiny electrodes that destroy cancer cells. The probe is inserted through an incision in the abdomen, under anesthesia.