About the Liver Cancer Center
At the Liver Cancer Center at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, our fellowship-trained physicians are experts you can trust in all aspects of liver cancer care. We are nationally recognized for treating the disease, and our team will walk you through every step of your treatment and recovery.
Types of Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancer
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This is adult liver cancer that originates in the liver. There are two types:
Hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. People with chronic liver diseases caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C and excessive alcohol consumption are at particular risk. This cancer can start as a single tumor or a series of small cancer nodules that form throughout the liver.
Cholangiocarcinoma
(bile duct cancer) is a rare cancer in the bile ducts – the tubes that move bile fluid from the liver thru the pancreas and to the small intestine. The cancer cells can grow in the bile ducts inside or outside the liver.
Secondary liver cancer
This type of liver cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver via the blood stream (metastasis). Such metastatic cancer is named after the organ where it developed. Secondary liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of primary liver cancer include:
- Chronic viral hepatitis: Around the world, the most common factor in liver cancer is chronic infection from hepatitis B or hepatitis C, both of which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
- Cirrhosis: This progressive and irreversible condition causes healthy liver cells to be replaced by scar tissue, which increases your chances of developing liver cancer.
- Inherited metabolic diseases: Certain diseases can increase risk. For example, people with hereditary hemochromatosis absorb too much iron from food. If that iron builds up in the liver, it can lead to cirrhosis.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: This causes an accumulation of fat in the liver, which increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking is the number one cause of cirrhosis in the U.S.
- Exposure to aflatoxins: These poisons are produced by molds that grow on poorly stored crops, including peanuts, wheat soybeans, corn and rice. It is more common in warmer and tropical countries.
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Meet the Liver Cancer Team
Our highly specialized team of fellowship-trained physicians can provide top care for all forms of liver cancer. As members of your greater cancer care team at the Cancer Institute, we work to deliver outstanding care and the best possible outcome.
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Clinical Trials
Orlando Health Cancer Institute participates in clinical trials, testing and evaluating the latest therapies, treatments, screening and diagnostic tools for liver cancer.
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Diagnosis and Treatment
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Resources
At Orlando Health Cancer Institute, we strive to support patients and families in every way possible.
Navigate Your Health
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Find a Cancer Physician
Find a Cancer Physician
Meet our doctors who specialize in the full range of cancer care. Our team of experts has experience in a variety of specialty areas. Together, we provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options.
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Patient Portal
Patient Portal
If you are a patient at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, our free online patient portal provides an easy and secure way to manage your health information. Reach us from any location at a time that’s convenient for you.
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Virtual Visit
Virtual Visit
Need to talk with a doctor, but don’t want to leave your home? Try our virtual visit (telehealth) option to connect with a physician from your phone, tablet or computer.
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