The liver is a large organ that sits in the upper right of your abdomen, beneath your diaphragm. It is about the size of a football and aids your digestion and metabolism. Cancer that starts in the liver is called primary liver cancer.
The most common form of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer that begins elsewhere and spreads to the liver is called metastatic cancer and is named for the organ in which it began. Metastatic cancer is more common than primary liver cancer, but all forms of liver cancer can spread very quickly.
Our approach
Our M Health Fairview care team treats all forms of liver cancer. We provide a wide range of options for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, including laparoscopic, robotic, and reconstruction surgery as well as advanced radiation and chemotherapy.
Patients—who may have thought their treatment options were exhausted—may have access to new, experimental treatments through clinical trials. Many of our physicians are also involved in research through Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, including clinical trials involving a genetically engineered salmonella for the treatment of cancer that has metastasized to the liver.