Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Liver Cancers

Liver cancer typically starts in the liver, and the most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma. Some people experience secondary liver cancer. This condition occurs when cancer spreads to the liver from other body areas, like the colon or rectum. Our services are also for people with liver tumors. They aren’t always cancerous but can become large enough to affect organ function.

Leading Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Cancer Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

There used to be few treatment options for liver cancer. But scientific breakthroughs have improved treatment and outcomes. UMass Memorial Health is at the forefront of care. We detect cancer in earlier stages and offer innovative therapies to treat it. Even if it is a rare or advanced liver cancer diagnosis, our team offers hope for healing.   

Conditions We Treat

At UMass Memorial, you receive collaborative liver cancer care that takes into account your unique needs.

Conditions we treat include: 

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (most common)
• Angiosarcoma
• Bile duct cancer
• Hepatoblastoma
• Hepatocellular adenoma
• Liver cysts
• Noncancerous (benign) liver tumors
• Secondary liver cancers, which spread from other body areas

Our Team Approach to Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Liver Cancers

UMass Memorial is one of the few programs in the region using a multi-specialty approach. Many patients see multiple experts in a single visit, enabling us to quickly determine the right therapies for you. Nurse navigators help arrange appointments and answer your questions.

You may receive care from specialists in:

• Abdominal imaging
• Abdominal interventional radiology
• Hepatology
• Liver surgery
• Medical oncology
• Nuclear medicine imaging and therapy
• Radiation oncology       
• Psychiatry
• Transplant hepatology
• Transplant surgery

We communicate regularly throughout your care journey to discuss your test results and treatment response. These touch points enable us to continuously adjust therapies and support your changing needs.

Liver Transplant for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Cancer

A liver transplant (replacing the organ with one from a human donor) gives patients with advanced cancers the best chance for a cure. UMass Memorial is home to one of the busiest liver transplant programs in Central Massachusetts. Our team optimizes your care before, during and after transplant, giving you the best chances for a successful transplant.

Additional Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Cancer Services

In addition to liver transplant, comprehensive liver cancer care at UMass Memorial may include:

• Cancer genetic testing: Some forms of liver cancer are due to cell changes (mutations) that are passed down in families. We are one of the few programs in the region offering testing to detect these mutations, so you receive timely, appropriate care.
• Diagnostic studies: We use liver function tests, sophisticated imaging and biopsies to determine the tumor type and severity. Our liver pathologists and abdominal radiologists detect small details that lead to an accurate liver cancer diagnosis.
• Liver surgery: Our team includes liver surgeons and surgical oncologists who deliver research-based care. Some patients benefit from resection, a procedure to remove the area of the liver affected by cancer. We also offer options for advanced cancer.
• Supportive care: We deliver therapies to relieve discomfort and stress-alleviating support. Social workers, therapists and palliative medicine doctors arrange the services that are right for you. Explore cancer resources and support.
• Survivorship services: Our team helps you get back into the swing of life after treatment. You may need therapies to relieve ongoing or late-onset symptoms. We also develop a personalized health maintenance and cancer screening plan.