Liver Cancer

To schedule an appointment with a Jefferson physician call 1-800-JEFF-NOW or click here. To contact the Liver Tumor Program team at Jefferson, please call 215-503-8752 and/or fax your records to 215-503-8755.

Primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma, is the fifth most common form of cancer but the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. There are more than 600,000 new cases globally each year – including approximately 19,000 in the United States. While definitive or curative treatment is normally done by liver resection or liver transplantation, this is not an option for most patients because of the extent of the cancer in the liver or the severity of the underlying cirrhosis.

Primary liver cancer is one of the few cancers for which we know the causes – which include hepatitis B, hepatitis C or chronic alcohol consumption, or any cause of cirrhosis. There are many non-surgical treatments, several of which are new and hold great promise. Almost all of them are being offered to our patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

There are also other primary tumors of the liver, in addition to HCC. Also, many cancers – such as those that originate in the colon, lung or breast – can spread to the liver. They are known as metastases, rather than primary liver tumors.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with liver cancer, it is critical to find the best possible help in treating this disease. For that, turn to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. We offer the Delaware Valley’s leading expertise and treatment options for liver cancer and related conditions. We are also highly responsive to your medical needs. In fact, we aim to schedule your first clinic visit within two weeks of your diagnosis being made and records being received.

The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson difference
As you explore the options, consider why the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Hospital may be your best choice:

• Our team of seasoned experts has been at the forefront of liver cancer treatments – including developing and testing the ⁹⁰ Yttrium microspheres internal hepatic radiation treatments by team members, as well as testing new agents and the combination of medical and surgical approaches, which are tailor-made to each patient’s needs.
• We offer a full complement of diagnostic capabilities and treatment options.
• We have extensive experience performing cancer screenings for individuals with hepatitis or cirrhosis, and we’re an excellent resource for second opinions and psychological evaluations and counseling.
• We use a multi-disciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating our liver cancer patients. Our Liver Tumor Board reviews and discusses each patient’s case, helping to ensure an optimal plan of action.
• We offer access to a wide variety of clinical trials through the Kimmel Cancer Center, the support of Jefferson’s end-to-end Liver Care capabilities, and support resources for your emotional and psychological needs through the Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine.

We have developed this website about our Liver Tumor Program to provide information about liver cancer, overviews of each of the treatments the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson offers, a preview of our approach to tumor work-up and treatment selection, and one-click access to schedule an appointment or call 1-800-JEFF-NOW. Or, if you prefer, simply call 215-503-8752 for direct access to our clinicians. You can also fax records to 215-503-8755.