By Debra A. Loggia

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,600 cases of primary liver cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2009. More common in men than women, it is also one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the U.S.

Risk factors such as obesity, Hepatitis B or C, diabetes or extreme alcohol use can increase your chances of developing this condition. Like any other form of cancer, early detection and treatment are key. Unfortunately in the early stages of the disease there aren't many noticeable symptoms. You may experience moderate belly pain or swelling inside of the abdomen early on that will get worse as the disease progresses.

According to Dr. Victor Navarro, executive director of the Jefferson Liver Tumor Center, "The good news is that with better training, many gastroenterologists are getting more aggressive in diagnosing liver cancer earlier; patients with cirrhosis should undergo a liver ultrasound every six months, to detect cancers while they are small. Early detection helps us see patients much sooner, which makes treatment much more effective."

A multidisciplinary approach

The Jefferson Liver Tumor Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating liver cancer. According to Dr. Navarro, “Once the diagnosis is made, the first step is to see a hepatologist (a physician who specializes in liver diseases) so we can evaluate your condition and any other comorbidities that may impact your treatment. Then you meet the team.

"One of the many benefits of coming to Jefferson is having access to many specialists at once and not having to find and schedule multiple appointments on your own," added Navarro.

Working with one of our coordinators, you will be brought in for a full day of tests (blood and imaging) and meetings with several different doctors. During that same day, your test results and case will be reviewed by a team of specialists that in addition to your hepatologist can include interventional radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, transplant coordinators and specialists in palliative care.

"At the end of the day, you will have a treatment plan based on our best recommendations and your preferences, and one of our coordinators will be assigned to you to help you manage your care from start to finish."

If you are a candidate for a liver transplant, you will be put on the transplant list and Dr. Cataldo Doria, the director of the Division of Transplantation and surgical director of the Liver Tumor Center, and his team will work with you and your family. If a liver transplant is necessary, you are in good hands at Jefferson. To date, more than 700 patients have received liver transplants at Jefferson. We have the lowest mortality rate among patients on the recipient waiting list of centers served by the nonprofit Gift of Life Donor Program in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware.

Meet Larry – A liver transplant survivor

A lifelong pilot, Larry was used to bumpy flights. But when faced with liver cancer and needed a transplant, he needed a good wingman. He found one in the Liver Tumor Center team at Jefferson. Read Larry's Story.

If you have been diagnosed with liver cancer, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW to schedule an appointment with one of our hepatologists or search for a doctor.