Understanding Liver Cancer

Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver, one of the largest and most important organs in the body. The most common type of primary liver cancer in adults is called hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer is closely linked to conditions that damage the liver over time, including chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections, cirrhosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. When it is found early, liver cancer can be treated effectively. This guide will help you understand liver cancer, how it develops, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to find support throughout your care.

This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on June 20, 2026.

Navigating the Understanding Liver Cancer Guide: This guide is meant to help you understand liver cancer, how it forms, how it is treated, and how to cope with a liver cancer diagnosis. It is meant for people with liver cancer and their loved ones. 

You can choose to read every article in this guide in order or only read the sections that are most important to you. Use this menu to skip around through the guide or use the links at the end of each page to move on to the next section. 

What is Liver Cancer?

Learn what liver cancer is and how it starts, including the different types and how the disease can affect the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Learn about the signs and symptoms that people diagnosed with liver cancer may experience. 

Risk Factors for Liver Cancer

Some people may be at a higher risk of developing liver cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for this cancer. 

Can I Lower My Risk of Liver Cancer? Screening and Prevention

Learn how regular surveillance, treating underlying liver disease, and other strategies can help prevent liver cancer or find it early.

Statistics for Liver Cancer

Learn more about how many people are diagnosed with liver cancer every year and liver cancer survival statistics.

How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?

Learn more about the tests and procedures that are used to diagnose liver cancer.

How is Liver Cancer Staged and Classified?

There are different systems for staging liver cancer and determining prognosis. This page will help you understand what your liver cancer stage means. 

How is Liver Cancer Treated?

Liver cancer is treated using different combinations of therapies. Learn more about surgery, liver transplant, ablation, embolization, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, plus supportive care to help manage your symptoms.

Joining A Clinical Trial for Liver Cancer

Clinical trials can be a way for people with liver cancer to receive the latest treatment options. Learn more about why you may want to join a clinical trial, how to find a clinical trial using the HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder, and what clinical trial results mean.

Coping with Liver Cancer

A liver cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and difficult. Find ways to cope with the support of your family, friends, caregivers, and care team.

Questions to Ask About Liver Cancer

When you go to appointments with your care team, you may not know what to ask. Use this list of questions to help brainstorm what information is most important to you.