Preface

v

Acknowledgments

vii

Paul’s Story

ix

PART 1

THE BASICS

1

Questions 1-4 provide information on all the basics about the liver and liver cancer, including:

What is the liver?

What is liver cancer?

Are there different types of liver cancer?

PART 2

RISK FACTORS

5

Questions 5-15 discuss the risks of developing liver failure (cirrhosis) and cancer, including:

Is hepatocellulax cancer common?

Who is at risk for developing liver cancer?

What is liver cirrhosis?

PART 3

SCREENING

15

Questions 16-20 address who should be screened for liver cancer and what tests you might need, including:

Who should be screened for liver cancer?

Why is screening for liver cancer performed?

What does screening entail?

PART 4

DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING

19

Questions 21-26 discuss what you would feel or complain of if you have liver cancer, as well as how your doctor will know if you have liver cancer, including:

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

How is liver cancer diagnosed?

What is cancer staging, and why is it relevant?

PART 5

COPING WITH THE DIAGNOSIS

27

Questions 27-32 answer questions about how to live with liver cancer, including:

How long do people live with liver cancer?

Does cirrhosis influence the treatment of liver cancer and the quality and length of life?

What is supportive care?

PART 6

TREATMENT

35

Questions 33-78 offer information on all the therapies that are available to you to treat your liver cancer, including:

Which treatment options are available for liver cancer?

What is multi-disciplinary care?

What determines whether a tumor can be removed?

PART 7

CANCER-RELATED PRACTICAL ISSUES

83

Questions 79-85 address dealing with liver cancer on a day-to-day basis, including:

I feel overwhelmed by all of the information that I am receiving. How do I make any decisions regarding my treatment?

Will changing my diet alter my cancer?

What is a medipott?

PART 8

CIRRHOSIS-RELATED PRACTICAL ISSUES

93

Questions 86-92 provide practical advice about managing all the complications of liver failure (cirrhosis), including:

My legs and/or my abdomen are swollen. What can I do about it?

What is meant when my platelets are low?

I am vomiting or passing blood and coffee-ground material in my stool. What is causing this?

PART 9

SOCIAL AND END-OF-LIFE ISSUES

22

Questions 93—100 explore all the options that are available for support, or in case all therapies fail, including:

Can my liver cancer be transmitted to my family?

Can I work while getting treated?

What if my doctors suggest stopping my current therapy?

Glossary

107

Index

115