For adults, this is the most typical form of primary liver cancer. Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has different growth patterns, with some tumors starting off individually and growing larger. Other patients may have several small cancer nodules throughout the liver, instead of just a single tumor. Later in the disease, tumors can spread to other areas of the liver.
Hepatocellular carcinoma generally affects patients with some type of chronic liver disease. Chronic liver disease can cause inflammation of the liver, which can lead to scarring, also known as cirrhosis. The most common causes of chronic liver disease are viral hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B or C. All adults should be tested to see if they have an infection with hepatitis B or C. This can be done with blood tests. Other common causes are alcohol-related liver disease or steatotic (fatty) liver disease. Ask your doctor if you are at risk for cirrhosis or any form of chronic liver disease.
Very rarely, HCC can occur in patients without liver disease. Fibrolamellar is a rare subtype of HCC, and less than 1 percent of all HCCs. It's a type most often seen in women under the age of 35, and many times, the remainder of the liver is healthy. This subtype of cancer typically has a more positive outlook than other forms of HCC.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has reaffirmed us as South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center. We have been recognized for our scientific leadership, our commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers and providers, as well as our engagement with the communities that we serve. For patients, this designation translates into greater access to leading-edge treatment options, including clinical trials that prioritize your specific cancer.
Multidisciplinary care teams with nationally recognized expertise. Collaboration saves lives. Your care team is made up of experts in your exact type of cancer, and every single aspect of it.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester was the first medical center in Florida, and the fourth in the country to offer resonance magnetic-guided radiation therapy. Our team is a leader in that domain. Our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity-modulated external radiation therapy (IMRT). These tools lead to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Finally, our radiation oncology department also offers proton beam therapy in our state-of-the-art Dwoskin Proton Therapy Center.
More cancer clinical trials than any other South Florida hospital. If appropriate for your cancer and stage, our clinical trials provide you with the very newest ways to treat and potentially cure your cancer.