Questions to Ask About Liver Cancer

This is the last page in the Understanding Liver Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on June 20, 2026. 

Before your appointments, it can help to write down questions you want to ask your care team. This way, you won't forget anything during your visit. Remember, there are no wrong questions. Your care team wants to make sure you understand your diagnosis and feel confident about your care.

Questions about your liver cancer diagnosis

• What type of liver cancer do I have? Is it hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, or another type?
• What stage is my liver cancer? What does that mean for my treatment and prognosis?
• Has my cancer spread to blood vessels, lymph nodes, or other organs?
• What is my liver function score? Am I Child-Pugh A, B, or C?
• What biomarker tests have been done on my tumor? Do I have any actionable mutations such as FGFR2, IDH1, or mismatch repair deficiency?
• Do I need a biopsy, or can the diagnosis be confirmed with imaging alone?
• Should I get a second opinion, including from a liver transplant center?

Questions to ask about liver cancer treatment

• What are my treatment options? What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment: to cure the cancer, control it, or relieve symptoms?
• Am I a candidate for surgery, liver transplant, ablation, embolization, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy?
• Am I a candidate for immunotherapy, and if so, which drugs are most appropriate for me?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, and how can they be managed?
• How will treatment affect my liver function and overall health?
• How will treatment affect my daily life, including work?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider?

Questions about surgery and liver transplant

• Am I a candidate for surgery to remove the tumor? What would recovery look like?
• Am I a candidate for liver transplantation? Do I meet the Milan Criteria or other eligibility criteria?
• What happens while I am on the transplant waiting list? What treatments will I receive to keep the cancer from growing?
• What are the risks of surgery or transplant given my liver function?
• How will my liver disease be managed after surgery?

Questions about ablation and embolization

• Is ablation or embolization a good option for my tumor?
• What type of ablation or embolization is best for my situation?
• How many treatments will I need?
• What side effects should I expect after an embolization procedure?
• How will we know if the treatment worked?

Questions about systemic therapy

• What targeted therapy or immunotherapy is most appropriate for me?
• How will we monitor whether the treatment is working?
• What side effects should I watch for, especially for immunotherapy?
• How will my liver function be monitored while I am on systemic therapy?
• What are my options if the first treatment stops working?

Questions to ask about follow-up care

• What follow-up tests will I need after treatment ends, and how often?
• What symptoms should prompt me to call your office right away?
• What is the risk that my cancer will come back? What would we do if it did?
• How will my underlying liver disease be managed going forward?
• What long-term side effects should I watch for?

Questions to ask about clinical trials

• Are there any clinical trials I might qualify for?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of the trial?
• Will my insurance cover the costs associated with participating in a trial?

Questions to ask about coping and support

• Can you refer me to an oncology social worker or counselor?
• Are there support groups for liver cancer patients or survivors?
• Are there resources to help with the financial costs of treatment?
• Are there palliative care or integrative medicine services available to me?
• How can my family members or caregivers get support?
• Can you refer me to a dietitian with experience in liver disease and cancer?
• If I have a history of alcohol use, can you connect me with support resources?