Navigating a liver cancer diagnosis
Receiving a well-informed liver cancer diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of this complex disease. At Penn Medicine, our liver cancer experts use advanced diagnostic tools to uncover critical details about the cancer’s DNA. The more we understand about the specific cancer you’re facing, the more precisely we can tailor your treatment.
Our gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, and other cancer specialists are expert leaders in their field. We diagnose a high volume of primary and secondary liver cancers using the most innovative cancer detection tools available. You can trust our team to provide a precise diagnosis informed by research and decades of expertise.
Liver cancer diagnosis at Penn Medicine
The first step toward a cancer diagnosis is often a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, risk factors, and family history with you. In addition, they’ll order a blood panel or other diagnostic tests.
How liver cancer diagnosis determines your treatment plan
Doctors treat primary and metastatic liver cancers in different ways. As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor will identify where the cancer started and if or where it may have spread. This is called hepatic cancer staging, or liver cancer staging.
Liver cancer staging also looks at other factors, such as a tumor’s size and location. This process informs liver cancer prognosis and helps doctors determine your treatment options. At Penn Medicine, our Gastrointestinal Cancer Care specialists use sophisticated genomic tests to analyze cancer DNA to design customized treatment options for you..
Regular screenings can lead to early detection
Liver tumors are often discovered through regular screenings for patients with cirrhosis. To enhance the chances of early detection, it’s recommended that people with cirrhosis undergo liver cancer screenings every six months.
Why choose Penn Medicine for liver cancer care?
Being diagnosed with liver cancer can be stressful. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our specialists offer:
- Knowledge of rare and complex cancers: Our GI doctors have completed subspecialty training, which provides an in-depth understanding of liver cancer diagnosis. We can identify rare liver cancers some doctors rarely see.
- Team effort: Our doctors meet for regular liver tumor conferences to pool their expertise on complex cases. Multiple specialists, such as medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists, review your test results and weigh in on the right diagnosis and treatment combinations for you.
- Support when you need it: Our oncology nurse navigators help ensure you see the right specialists quickly. They schedule appointments and provide education and resources for other support services.
- Expert cancer care near you: Our expansive network ensures you can get the diagnostic tests you need at locations throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.