Steven A. Sandler, M.D.
Board-Certified in
Hematology & Oncology
Telephone Numbers
Office: (847) 933-0875
Fax: (847) 933-0878
Answering Service: (773) 594-7340
Skokie Office
9669 Kenton, Suite 510
Skokie, IL 60076
Map and directions
Chicago Office
7447 W. Talcott Ave., Suite 318
Chicago, IL 60631
Map and directions
Call us at 847-933-0875 or send Dr. Sandler a message via the form below. Please note that this form is for non-emergencies only.
Liver Cancer Information and Treatment
About Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver. Secondary liver cancer is cancer that spreads to the liver from another part of the body. Secondary liver cancer is much more common than primary liver cancer. Liver cancer usually results from cirrhosis of the liver, which is caused by heavy alcohol use, infection with the Hepatitis B or C virus, or parasitic infection.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side
- Lump or feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen
- Swollen abdomen or bloating
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Yellow skin and eyes, pale stools, and dark urine from jaundice
Liver Cancer Treatment
Treatment options for liver cancer include surgery, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery may include abalation and/or liver transplant. A combination of therapies may also be used depending on the number, size and location of the tumor, how well the liver is working, and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Abalation is a type of treatment done while patients are waiting for a transplant or surgery or for patients who cannot have surgery. A special probe that contains tiny electrodes is used to produce heat to kill the cancer.
Chemoembolization is another treatment option for patients who can’t have surgery or a transplant. Tiny sponges are put in the artery that supplies blood flow to the tumor, eventually killing it.
Chemotherapy is done before the procedure to maximize the results of the embolization. Embolization often causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Medicine can be prescribed to help lessen these problems. Some people may feel very tired for several weeks after the treatment.
A new drug called Nexavar is a form of targeted therapy used for the treatment in patients with advanced liver cancer that slows the growth of tumors.
