Cancer of the Liver

Alternate Names : Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Hepatoma

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There is no known way to completely prevent primary liver cancer. It may be helpful to reduce hepatitis B risk with hepatitis B vaccination. Excessive alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Avoiding this may also help reduce the risk of liver cancer.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Primary cancer of the liver is fatal within a few months of diagnosis if not effectively treated. Most primary liver cancer is discovered in an advanced stage. In the advanced stage, treatment may not be effective in slowing the growth significantly.

What are the risks to others?

Liver cancer is not contagious, and poses no risks to others.