Table of Contents
Introduction
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer across the world. The number of people diagnosed each year continues to rise, influenced by factors such as chronic hepatitis infections, alcohol use, obesity, and other liver diseases.
Every October, Liver Cancer Awareness Month encourages people to learn more about this condition, recognize the early signs, and understand how a timely diagnosis can save lives. The liver is one of the body’s most important organs, supporting digestion, filtering waste, and storing nutrients. When its function is affected by cancer, the impact reaches every part of the body.
In this article, we will explain what liver cancer is, who is most at risk, and the common symptoms to watch for. You will also learn about how liver cancer is diagnosed, and how modern radiation therapy is helping patients live longer and better.
At Unio Specialty Care, we are dedicated to guiding every patient through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with expertise and empathy.
What Is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer begins when cells in the liver grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Over time, these abnormal cells form a mass known as a tumor, which can interfere with the liver’s ability to perform its essential functions, such as filtering toxins, digesting food, and storing energy.
There are two main types of liver cancer. Primary liver cancer starts directly in the liver. The most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops from the main type of liver cell known as hepatocytes. Less common types include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which starts in the bile ducts within the liver, and angiosarcoma, which affects the liver’s blood vessels.
Secondary liver cancer, also called metastatic liver cancer, does not start in the liver itself. Instead, it spreads to the liver from another part of the body, such as the colon, breast, or lungs. Because the liver filters blood from many organs, it is a common site for cancer to spread.
How Common Is Liver Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 41,000 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with liver cancer in 2025, and approximately 30,000 deaths are anticipated this year alone.
Although liver cancer occurs less often than cancers of the lung, breast, or colon, it is one of the deadliest cancers, mainly because it is usually detected at a late stage when treatment options are limited. The disease is about three times more common in men than in women, and the risk increases significantly after the age of 60.
Around the world, liver cancer rates are highest in regions such as East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where chronic hepatitis infections remain widespread. In the United States and other Western countries, cases have been rising due to lifestyle-related factors, including obesity, diabetes, alcohol use, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Who Is at Risk for Liver Cancer?
Chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of liver cancer. These viral infections can cause long-term inflammation and scarring of the liver, eventually leading to cancer. People with cirrhosis, which is severe liver scarring caused by chronic liver damage, are also at much higher risk.
Other major risk factors include:
- Heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis and liver cell damage.
- What we now call MASLD (metabolism-associated steatotic liver disease–fatty liver leading to scar tissue (fibrosis), which is linked to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Exposure to aflatoxins, toxic substances sometimes found in contaminated grains and nuts. This is chiefly a problem in some parts of Africa and Asia.
- Family history of liver cancer or inherited liver diseases such as hemochromatosis, where excessive iron accumulates in the liver.
- Long-term use of anabolic steroids or exposure to certain chemicals and toxins.
What Preventive Measures exist?
Anything that stops the damage in the liver before there is far advanced scarring (cirrhosis) can markedly reduce risk. This includes treating hepatitis B or C, stopping excessive alcohol, or reversing metabolic factors causing MAFLD.
What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
The most common early symptoms of liver cancer include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
- Fatigue and weakness
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine or pale stools
Because these symptoms can also occur with other liver or digestive conditions, they are often overlooked. Anyone experiencing persistent or unexplained changes in their health should seek medical attention immediately.
How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing liver cancer involves several steps designed to confirm the presence of a tumor, determine its type, and assess how far it has spread. Doctors typically begin by conducting a physical examination and a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and risk factors. Blood tests, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, can indicate the likelihood of liver cancer, as AFP is often elevated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Imaging studies are a cornerstone of diagnosis. Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI are used to visualize tumors and assess their size, location, and stage. In some cases, a liver biopsy is done, which involves taking a small tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis under a microscope.
What Are the Treatment Options for Liver Cancer?
Treatment options vary based on the stage of cancer, type of tumor, and liver function. At Unio Specialty Care, each plan is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
Common treatment approaches include:
- Surgery or Liver Transplantation: Removal of part of the liver or a full transplant can be curative in early-stage cases.
- Bridge Therapies: Procedures like radiofrequency ablation or chemoembolization help control tumor growth while waiting for surgery or transplant.
- Radiation Therapy: High-precision radiation targets and destroys cancer cells when surgery isn’t an option.
- Systemic Treatments: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy can slow cancer growth and improve survival in advanced stages.
- Supportive Care: Symptom management and nutritional support enhance comfort and quality of life throughout treatment.
How Does Radiation Oncology Treat Liver Cancer?
When surgery or transplantation isn’t an option, radiation therapy offers an effective and targeted way to treat liver cancer.
Here’s how radiation therapy helps in treating liver cancer:
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT delivers high doses of focused radiation to the tumor over a short number of sessions. This precision helps destroy cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Precision Targeting: At Unio Specialty Care, advanced systems such as CyberKnife and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) ensure accuracy and safety. These technologies allow clinicians to deliver treatment with millimeter precision.
- Surgery isn’t an Option: Radiation therapy is often recommended when surgical removal or transplantation isn’t possible due to the tumor’s size, location, or the patient’s overall health.
- Combination with Other Treatments: Radiation can be combined with chemotherapy, ablation, or targeted therapy to enhance outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Personalized Care: Each treatment plan at Unio is developed by a collaborative team of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and nurses who tailor therapy to each patient’s condition and treatment goals.
How Can Unio Specialty Care Help Treat Liver Cancer?
At Unio Specialty Care, patients benefit from a truly multidisciplinary approach. Our team of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and care specialists works together to design personalized treatment plans using the latest technology, including CyberKnife and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). These systems allow precise targeting of tumors while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
What sets Unio apart is our commitment to both clinical excellence and patient experience. We combine advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to ensure every individual feels supported through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with liver cancer, schedule a consultation through our website to explore your treatment options or request a second opinion from our experienced team. At Unio Specialty Care, we’re here to help you take the next step toward healing with confidence.
- By: Unio Specialty Care, Published: 10/13/25
- Medically Reviewed By: Glenn Littenberg, MD – 10/12/25