Questions to ask: Liver cancer

Diagnosis

• Is my cancer hepatocellular carcinoma, or another type?
• Did I need a biopsy, or was the diagnosis made from my scans?
• How many tumors are there, and how big are they?
• Has the cancer grown into blood vessels or spread outside my liver?
• What is my BCLC stage and Child-Pugh class?
• What caused my liver disease, and is it being treated?
• What is my AFP level?
• Am I a candidate for surgery, ablation, or a liver transplant?
• Is the goal to remove all the cancer or to control it?
• Should I see a team that includes a liver doctor (hepatologist), surgeon, and radiologist?
• Should my family be tested for hepatitis B or C?

Before

• What treatment do you suggest, and why is it a good fit for my liver?
• If transplant is possible, what are the steps to get on the list?
• Will I need treatment to keep the cancer in check while I wait for a liver?
• Do I need an upper endoscopy to check for swollen veins before starting?
• What side effects should I expect from TACE, Y-90, or my medicine?
• How will treatment affect my liver function?
• Are there clinical trials I could join?
• Which medicines, supplements, and pain relievers are safe for my liver?
• Who should I call with problems at night or on weekends?
• What costs should I expect, and who can help with insurance?

During

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• How often will you check my scans, AFP, and liver tests?
• Which side effects should I call about right away?
• How should I care for my hands and feet on this pill?
• Should I check my blood pressure at home?
• What signs of liver problems should my caregiver watch for?
• What happens if the cancer grows on this treatment?
• Can I see a palliative care team to help with symptoms?
• Can I see a dietitian about eating with cirrhosis?
• Can I see a counselor or social worker?

After

• How often will I need scans and AFP tests?
• What is the chance of a new tumor in my liver, and how will we watch for it?
• Do I need to keep taking medicine for hepatitis?
• Who will manage my cirrhosis care?
• What signs could mean the cancer has come back?
• If I had a transplant, how will my anti-rejection medicines affect future cancer treatment?
• Where can my family and I find support groups?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.