Diagnosis and Management of Liver Cancer - a podcast by Hillary Nez

In this episode we discuss liver cancer, particularly (HCC) hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The podcast also touches on focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver and haemangiomas of the liver.



This episode covers the pathophysiology, presentation of HCC, diagnosis, complications and management of liver cancer.

Liver cancer is a disease of the liver and can be a difficult one to detect in the early stages. It falls under the category of cancer that originates from the epithelial cells that form the liver. Cancer cells grow and divide rapidly while the rest of the cells are unable to divide and grow. The result is that the cancerous cells grow rapidly and form tumors. It is a common misconception that liver cancer is only the result of a virus. In fact, the most common cause of liver cancer is cirrhosis, which is the result of chronic liver disease.

There are three stages of liver cancer, each of which causes a different type of cancer. Stage I is not a cancer at all, but rather a normal tissue growth called a hemangioma. Stage II and III are both tumors. The differences between these cancers are that the first is a low-grade tumor that can usually be surgically removed, while the second has an aggressive, life-threatening nature. The third stage, however, is what causes liver cancer to be referred to as stage IV, or metastatic. The symptoms of liver cancer are the same as the symptoms of other types of cancer. But in this case, it is liver cell death rather than a clinical condition that affects the liver.  A person experiencing any of the symptoms of liver cancer should consult their doctor right away.

Links to show notes:

1. Cancer Support Community


2. Liver Cancer Symptoms and treatment options


3. Stem Cell Treatment for Liver Cancer


4. Liver Cancer Support Community

Further episodes of Facing the Cancer Revolution

Further podcasts by Hillary Nez

Website of Hillary Nez