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Liver Cancer 

Liver CancerLiver cancer develops in the cells of the liver, the football-shaped organ that lies just under the ribs on the right side of the body. The liver facilitates several important bodily functions, including breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and removing toxins. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 75% of cases.

Common Symptoms

The signs of liver cancer typically aren’t noticeable in the disease’s early stages. As the cancer progress, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chalky, light stools

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop liver cancer. However, there are certain factors that may increase someone’s risk of being diagnosed with this disease. These include:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Cirrhosis
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Wilson’s disease

World-Class Liver Cancer Treatment

At Tampa General Hospital’s Liver Oncology Program, we don’t just practice medicine—we define it by offering progressive therapies and participating in ambitious clinical trials to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our multidisciplinary team provides a full spectrum of diagnostics, treatment and long-term care to patients with all types of liver cancers, including the most complex and uncommon cases. Our staff also includes dieticians, psychologists and other palliative care specialists who tend to the emotional and physical needs of patients during treatment.

The Latest Advances in Hepatobiliary Surgery 

A distinguishing factor of our Liver Oncology Program is the specialized expertise of our hepatobiliary surgeons.

  • We are the only liver cancer program on the west coast of Florida to offer transplantation as a curative therapy.
  • We are a recognized leader in robotic-assisted liver surgeries and resection procedures.
  • We excel in the latest surgical treatment approaches; TGH is the first program in Southwest Florida to offer irreversible electroporation (IRE), and we are among the first in the region to provide hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Thanks in part to our advanced approach to liver cancer surgery, U.S. News & World Report recognized TGH as one of America's Best Hospitals for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery and as a High Performing Hospital for Cancer in 2020-2021. 

Well-Rounded, Community-Based Care

Cancer care is a team effort. That’s why TGH cancer specialists prioritize close collaboration with primary care providers and referring physicians within the community. This team approach is important, as liver cancer is strongly linked to problems that primary physicians may first diagnose or suspect, such as:

  • Obesity
  • Hepatitis
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Colon cancer

Our community partnerships provide a more streamlined care experience to patients and fewer hassles. We coordinate appointments and juggle paperwork between multiple providers so our patients don’t have to.

If you would like to consult a liver cancer specialist about your symptoms or receive a second opinion regarding a liver cancer diagnosis, contact TGH today at (813) 844-5480. Our team provides prompt responses to appointment requests and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also locate a specialist using our convenient Physician Finder tool.