What is liver and bile duct cancer?
The liver is a large internal organ that breaks down and stores nutrients. It helps with clotting and breaks down toxic waste in the blood. Bile ducts are small tubes in the liver. They carry digestive juices to the gallbladder or directly to the intestines.
Cells in the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder can form several different types of tumors. The tumors may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
Common types of liver and bile duct cancers:
- Hepatocellular cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
A common type of liver cancer that can begin as a single tumor that grows larger and can spread. Or it could have many small cancer nodules throughout the liver. - Bile duct cancer (intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma)
Starts in the cells that line the small bile ducts within the liver. - Gallbladder cancer
Also related to bile duct cancer
More information about liver and bile duct cancer (National Cancer Institute)
Liver and bile duct tests and treatments
Depending on your specific condition, you may receive one or more of the following liver and bile duct tests and treatments.
Liver and bile duct tests
- Imaging (CT scan)
- Physical exam
- Biopsy
- Radiologic intervention
Liver and bile duct treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Embolization
Dartmouth Cancer Center multidisciplinary team approach to treating liver and bile duct
Our full multidisciplinary team of care providers works with you to:
- Review your liver and bile duct diagnostic tests
- Identify the best liver and bile duct treatment, particular to you
- Help you understand your liver and bile duct diagnosis and what to expect with any treatment
Liver Tumor Clinic
The Liver Tumor Clinic brings together specialists from many disciplines across Dartmouth Health and Dartmouth Cancer Center. Our specialists work as a team to treat patients with newly diagnosed liver lesions, whether benign or malignant. To learn more, see the Liver Tumor Clinic.